The Megyn Kelly Show – Ep 1146
Title: Remembering Charlie Kirk, with Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump Jr., and Benny Johnson, and What We Know About the Assassin
Date: September 11, 2025
Overview
This somber episode of The Megyn Kelly Show is dedicated to the memory of Charlie Kirk, prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, who was assassinated the previous day during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. Megyn Kelly hosts in-depth, emotionally-charged conversations with Donald Trump Jr., Benny Johnson, and Tucker Carlson—all of whom were close to Charlie—exploring his life, legacy, the political climate that enabled his murder, and the latest on the ongoing hunt for the killer. The episode is raw, honest, and at times outraged, grappling with themes of political violence, media responsibility, and personal loss.
Latest Facts: The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
- [00:27] – [13:01] Megyn Kelly’s News Update
- Details of the shooting:
- Occurred September 10 at Utah Valley University; Charlie Kirk was speaking as part of the “American Comeback Tour.”
- The assassin fired a single shot from an elevated rooftop position; gun was a .30-06 Mauser bolt-action rifle found nearby.
- Ammunition was engraved with “transgender and anti-fascist ideology,” per sources (first reported by Steven Crowder, confirmed by the FBI and Wall Street Journal).
- Killer, described as a white male in his early 20s, remains at large; FBI released images and is requesting public’s help (1-800-CALL-FBI).
- High-quality surveillance video exists, but has not been released.
- Controversy over media framing:
- Megyn criticizes CNN for euphemistically describing the ammo’s inscriptions as “cultural phrases.”
- Blames mainstream media for coddling dangerous ideologies and neglecting uncomfortable truths.
- Law enforcement update: Evidence includes palm and forearm prints on the weapon, a footwear impression, and tracked movements via security cameras.
- Details of the shooting:
Quote:
“There’s one particular group that’s been running around killing Americans in the name of transgender ideology lately…there’s a particularly high percentage committing crimes these days and it is responsible and important to say so, which is what Charlie was doing.” — Megyn Kelly [04:19]
Donald Trump Jr. Remembers Charlie Kirk
[16:46] – [51:13]
Personal Loss and Relationship
- Initial reaction: “He was like a brother to me. For someone who’s been a very close friend, confidant, incredible warrior…it’s been hard.” — Donald Trump Jr. [16:46]
- How they met: Don Jr. recounts initial skepticism at meeting a 20-year-old Charlie, and immediate recognition of his brilliance:
“In five minutes I was like, oh my God, this kid’s brilliant. I mean, this kid himself could be president one day.” [17:32]
Charlie’s Growth and Impact
- Relatability and talent:
“He could take complex things and explain them simply…He gave [opponents] his platform...He calmly, he’d push back with ideas, with words…His quote was, 'when discourse ends, violence begins.' That was his quote. And they killed him for it.” [19:48]
- Courage on campuses: Don Jr. shares stories of standing up to hostile university crowds with Charlie, emphasizing Kirk’s ability to change minds through dialogue, not aggression.
Political Influence & Legacy
- Crucial to Republican victories:
“I think he single handedly won Arizona for us, probably Wisconsin as well…moved the youth vote 20 plus points.” [24:34]
- Voice for youth: Charlie was the rare Republican able to connect with young people, utilizing social media and speaking in their language.
- On facing threats:
“Charlie knew the threat…he was a true believer. He believed he was being handled by God to do what was right for our country. And there was nothing that was going to stop him.” [29:41]
- On political violence: Don Jr. asserts that violence is not “from both sides,” but rather “coming from the left, created by the left,” tying rhetoric that labels conservatives as ‘Nazis’ or ‘fascists’ to increased threats and attacks.
What’s Next & The Future of Turning Point USA
- On moving forward:
“We have to band together. We have to be so unified that that radical faction can’t possibly continue to win elections. And I think if we do that, that would be an incredible thing for Charlie’s legacy.” [44:08]
- Turning Point’s future: Don Jr. does not see a replacement for Charlie; suggests collective leadership and continued activism as the best way to honor his legacy.
Benny Johnson’s Reflections
[58:49] – [76:27]
On Charlie’s Life and Martyrdom
- Martyr for free speech and faith:
“Charlie is a martyr for America. He’s a martyr for free speech. He is a martyr for peaceful disagreement. He is a martyr for Christendom.” — Benny Johnson [60:00]
- Profound influence: “Charlie Kirk would become the President of the United States one day in his life. They sought to cut that life short.” [61:28]
- Responsibility of the movement:
“What must we do now? We must rise up with full hearts and remember who Charlie was and what he stood for. Light in the darkness, truth in the face of evil, fearlessness…” [62:00]
Media Demonization and Political Violence
- Explains the ‘playbook’: Demonizing conservatives, funding and arming radical activist groups, and glorifying “heroic” political violence.
“You demonize at a corporate media level… then you fund groups to organize against those people who you’ve demonized… That is a playbook that’s going to end in civil war.” [69:42]
- Benny’s own experience: Relates how his own family was endangered and then minimized by the New York Times, drawing parallels to the way Charlie was dehumanized before his murder.
Charlie’s Approach to Opposition
- Handling disagreement:
“That’s who he was. And it appears to have gotten him killed.” — Megyn Kelly, after playing a clip of Kirk’s compassionate response to a trans student [69:14]
On Media’s Response
- Condemns celebratory reactions: Benny highlights open celebration of Kirk’s assassination from left-wing commentators and activists, calling it “evil demonic activity from the pit of hell.” [72:06]
- Propagated lies: Blames media figures for stoking division and hatred.
Tucker Carlson’s Perspective
[81:07] – [105:22]
Immediate Reaction and Grief
- Engulfed in hate online:
“I must have watched 15 videos of young women celebrating Charlie’s death…The depth of evil out there is really overwhelming.” — Tucker Carlson [81:22]
Charlie as a Christian Example
- Consistent integrity:
“Charlie really did… walk the line for real. Most people are destroyed by power and he wasn’t…To his last moments…he cared about God, his wife and his children and then his country. And that was totally real, completely real.” [82:25]
- Forgiveness and faith: Emphasizes Charlie’s non-retaliatory, loving worldview, both in private and public, rooted in Christianity.
“He would never, ever express hate, ever…He would always turn to, ‘No, this person has been led astray. This person is clearly possessed by dark forces. This person is a perpetrator, but also a victim of evil.’” [83:13]
On the Nature of the Assassination
- Well-planned and targeted: Highlights the use of a high-caliber rifle and suggests this was not a “random” act, but meticulously planned.
- Cautions about narratives: Urges skepticism of all official stories, but also patience in drawing conclusions.
Civil War & Society’s Spiritual Crisis
- America at a crossroads:
“We are in a form of civil war right now. That’s obvious. Violence is a huge component of it. You don’t want it to become a bigger component.” [94:23]
- The spiritual divide:
“The dividing line is: do you think God exists or do you think you are God? And it’s that simple…our souls are at stake. I really, really believe that. I think Jesus is the only answer.” [101:07]
Warnings and Hope
- Calls for wisdom and unity:
“Seek wisdom more than ever before. Fervently. That’s what we need to do.” [104:58]
Notable Quotes
-
Megyn Kelly:
“If college students…who felt inspired at all by Charlie feel the need to live up to his example, they’ll say it, too. And they can’t take us all out for speaking the truth…” [07:45]
-
Donald Trump Jr.:
“When discourse ends, violence begins. That was his quote. And they killed him for it.” [19:48]
“Think about per capita, I can’t name, including probably like Al Qaeda and the Taliban, a group that is more violent per capita than the radical trans movement.” [30:45]
-
Benny Johnson:
“Charlie died as he lived, sharing salt and light in the darkest corners of our country…He is a martyr for free speech.” [58:53, 60:00]
-
Tucker Carlson:
“He loved being with people who disagreed with him, not theoretically with them, but physically with them…he loved people, even people who hated him.” [84:30]
“We need to get to the bottom of it…But I do think we also need to be mindful that we are in a form of civil war right now…I certainly don’t want it here. The answer is to see one another as God sees us.” [94:23]
“He didn’t have hate in his heart...He would never, ever express hate, ever.” [83:13]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:27 – 13:01: Megyn Kelly’s news update, reporting on the details of the shooting, alleged motive and killer, media’s response, and police investigation.
- 16:46 – 51:13: Donald Trump Jr. reflects on friendship with Charlie, his influence, legacy, political climate, and the way forward for conservatives and Turning Point USA.
- 58:49 – 76:27: Benny Johnson’s tribute, contextualizing Charlie as a martyr and prophet, discussion of media-driven dehumanization and violence, and playing exemplary clips of Charlie.
- 81:07 – 105:22: Tucker Carlson’s emotional and philosophical reflections on Charlie, societal division, spiritual crisis, and the imperative for wisdom.
Conclusion
This episode offers an urgent and passionate examination of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, focusing on his humanity, achievements, and enduring legacy. The guests and host issue calls for unity, courage, truth-telling, and spiritual grounding, while denouncing the escalation of political violence and the media culture surrounding it. The stakes are laid bare: the battle for hearts, for the safety of public figures, and for the soul of the country itself.
If You Missed It
If you were unable to listen, this episode will give you:
- A minute-by-minute breakdown of what is known about Charlie Kirk’s assassination and ongoing investigation.
- Powerful, unfiltered perspectives from friends and allies remembering his talents and convictions.
- Uncompromising criticism of the media and political rhetoric feeding the flames.
- Raw discussion of America’s spiritual and political crossroads, highlighting the profound impact Charlie Kirk had—and the need to keep carrying forward his mission.
Calls to Action:
- The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information (1-800-CALL-FBI).
- Guests urge supporters to speak out boldly, stay united, and honor Kirk’s legacy through activism and honesty.
- Prayers and support are solicited for Charlie Kirk’s family and those left to lead.
Final Reflection
The episode ends on a sobering note: this could be a pivotal (possibly dark) turning point for American political discourse and for the nation’s future. The guests urge not to descend into hate or despair, but to “seek wisdom” and continue the fight for truth and freedom.