The Megyn Kelly Show

Episode: The Hunt For Charlie Kirk's Assassin, Vance Escorts Kirk Home, 24 Years Since 9/11: AM Update
Date: September 12, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly
Platform: SiriusXM

Brief Overview

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show provides an urgent update on the manhunt for Charlie Kirk's killer, discusses the national and political responses, and reflects on the 24th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The episode also includes emotional tributes from government officials, notably President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and covers Vice President J.D. Vance’s personal involvement in escorting Kirk’s body home. The tone is both urgent and somber, blending detailed investigative updates with broader commentary on heroism and American values.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Hunt for Charlie Kirk's Assassin

[00:39–08:23]

• Status of the Manhunt:

  • Over 24 hours after Charlie Kirk's assassination, the killer remains at large.
  • Utah Governor Spencer Cox, joined by FBI Director Kash Patel, confirmed in a late-night press conference that there is currently "no suspect yet in custody" ([01:30]).
  • Beau Mason, Commissioner of Utah Public Safety:
    • "We have no idea where the shooter may be." ([03:00])
    • Investigators are tracking leads on both local and out-of-state persons of interest, with tips coming in from across the country.

• Suspect Details:

  • Officials released four enhanced photos and a university stairwell video of the person of interest: a college-aged male, dark hair, dark baseball cap with a triangle, sunglasses, black backpack, long-sleeve shirt with an American flag and bald eagle, dark jeans, gray Converse sneakers, and an iPhone visible in his pocket ([03:13]).
  • Security footage shows the suspect moving across a university rooftop, dropping from the roof to the grass, then fleeing across a grassy knoll, reportedly ditching the rifle wrapped in a towel ([03:37]).
  • TMZ released a video of a similarly dressed man with a limp near the university minutes before the shooting, leading to speculation about how the firearm was concealed ([03:52]).

• Weapon and Evidence:

  • The rifle used was a bolt-action hunting rifle, not a semi-automatic ([04:15]).
  • Rumble host Steven Crowder shared alleged internal ATF communications claiming cartridges found had engraved wording expressing “transgender and anti-fascist ideology.”
    • Confirmation and skepticism from various mainstream outlets:
      • Wall Street Journal and TMZ confirmed some details.
      • The New York Times and others urged caution, noting that these findings were not fully verified ([05:05]).
      • CNN reported the cartridge markings only referred to “phrases related to cultural issues.”

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Reaction:

  • "Charlie's someone I've gotten to know personally and it's just heartbreaking to see—both stunning and outrageous at the same time ... Not just outrageous, it's frightening." ([06:38])

• Governor Cox’s Statement on Death Penalty:

  • Utah will pursue the death penalty for the perpetrator ([07:14]).
  • Public warned about social media disinformation, and foreign bots (from Russia, China) seeking to inflame violence ([07:18]).

2. Vice President J.D. Vance Escorts Charlie Kirk’s Body Home

[08:23–09:45]

• Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance personally escorted Kirk’s body back to Arizona on Air Force Two, meeting with Kirk’s widow Erica and family.
• Vance served as a pallbearer, highlighting his close friendship with Kirk, who was influential in Vance’s political rise.
• Vance’s tribute (excerpt from X post):
  • "Charlie died doing what he loved, discussing ideas … he exemplified a foundational virtue of our republic, the willingness to speak openly and debate ideas… Now that Charlie is in heaven, I’ll ask him to talk to the big man directly on behalf of his family, his friends and the country he loves so dearly. You ran a good race, my friend. We’ve got it from here." ([09:04])

3. 24 Years Since September 11: National Mourning and Reflection

[09:45–15:13]

• Commemoration of 9/11:
  • President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth led the national remembrance at the Pentagon.
  • The attacks’ toll: 2,977 dead, including hundreds of first responders ([11:11]).
• Reflection on American War and Sacrifice:
  • Hegseth:
    • "An entire generation of warriors stepped forward, willing to pay the ultimate price to exact retribution and secure our country … War must not become a mere tool for global social work. Eager to risk American blood and treasure for utopian fever dreams, we should hit hard, wreak vengeance and return home.” ([11:59])
    • “We best honor their memory … by learning the correct lessons of that day and the decades of courage that followed.”
  • Trump:
    • “We will honor always our heroes … and that’s the way our country is and that’s the way the people feel. We will defend the nation they serve, the values they upheld, and the freedom for which they died.” ([13:10])
    • “We will build taller, grow stronger, fight harder, and soar higher … together we will go forward as one people with one heart, one fate, one flag and one glorious destiny under Almighty God. May God bless … the United States of America.”

4. Tributes and Honors for Charlie Kirk

[14:13–15:23]

• Hegseth’s Tribute:
  • "The life, example and even death of Christ-follower and American patriot Charlie Kirk give me hope. Sheer courage, no matter the arena. Charlie, we love you. We know that you have heard the Lord's words: Well done, good and faithful servant." ([14:21])
• Presidential Medal of Freedom Announcement:
  • Trump:
    • “…I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The date of the ceremony will be announced. And I can only guarantee you one thing, that we will have a very big crowd. Very, very big.” ([15:23])
  • Trump called Kirk a “giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions.” ([15:23])

5. Aftermath and Closing

[16:16–17:05]

• Trump’s symbolic visit to Yankee Stadium following the ceremonies, greeted by chants of “USA” ([16:16]).
• Megyn Kelly signs off, urging listeners to tune in for more coverage.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We have no idea where the shooter may be."
  — Beau Mason, Commissioner of Utah Public Safety ([03:00])

• "We literally have persons of interest tips coming in on the tip line that are spanning far, far and wide."
  — Marco Rubio & Megyn Kelly ([03:05])

• "Charlie died doing what he loved, discussing ideas … He exemplified a foundational virtue of our republic, the willingness to speak openly and debate ideas.”
  — J.D. Vance, Vice President ([09:04])

• "War must not become a mere tool for global social work. Eager to risk American blood and treasure for utopian fever dreams, we should hit hard, wreak vengeance and return home."
  — Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War ([11:59])

• "We will build taller, grow stronger, fight harder, and soar higher and together we will go forward as one people with one heart, one fate, one flag and one glorious destiny under Almighty God."
  — President Trump ([13:44])

• "The life, example and even death of Christ-follower and American patriot Charlie Kirk give me hope. Sheer courage, no matter the arena."
  — Pete Hegseth ([14:21])

• "I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The date of the ceremony will be announced."
  — President Trump ([15:23])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:39 – Opening: Charlie Kirk’s killer at large, investigation updates
• 03:13 – Suspect description and surveillance details
• 04:15 – Ballistics and cartridge markings controversy (ATF/Media coverage)
• 06:38 – Marco Rubio on national response and frustrations
• 07:14 – Utah’s plan to pursue death penalty; warning on social media disinformation
• 08:23 – VP Vance escorts Kirk’s body; tribute from Vance ([09:04])
• 11:59 – Pete Hegseth’s 9/11 commemoration and lessons from the war on terror
• 13:10 – Trump’s memorial remarks and commitment to remembrance
• 14:21 – Hegseth’s tribute to Charlie Kirk
• 15:23 – Trump announces posthumous Medal of Freedom for Charlie Kirk
• 16:16 – Trump visits Yankee Stadium; episode wind-down

Conclusion

This special update masterfully intertwines the tense, rapidly evolving investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination with moments of deep national reflection on heroism, sacrifice, and American unity—punctuated by powerful tributes and a commitment to remembrance from the nation’s top leaders. For listeners seeking both breaking news and thoughtful context in a challenging moment, this episode delivers clarity, emotion, and insight.