The Tony Kennett Cast – Ep. 404

Charlie Kirk, CEO and Co-Founder of TPUSA, Assassinated at Utah Valley Uni. Event
Host: Tony Kennett (The Daily Signal)
Date: September 11, 2025

Overview

This intense and somber episode of The Tony Kennett Cast covers the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk—CEO and Co-Founder of Turning Point USA—who was shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Tony Kennett provides a detailed, real-time breakdown of the events, media reactions, political commentary, and the broader cultural and political implications of Kirk’s assassination, while sharing personal memories and reflections on Kirk's legacy.

Main Theme and Purpose

• To analyze and report on the details and aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
• To critique media and political responses, highlighting perceived bias and the use of tragedy for political gain.
• To honor Charlie Kirk’s personal and professional legacy and reflect on the broader societal context of political violence.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Context: Political Violence and Media Response

[00:48–06:00]

• Opening: Kennett frames the show by discussing how the names of crime victims are used for political leverage. He references the controversy over Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s reaction to the murder of Kayla Hamilton, emphasizing the growing tendency to weaponize tragedy.

  • “There are officials in the United States government...who only see the dead as political pawns.” (Tony Kennett, 02:17)

• Connection to Kirk: Kennett asserts that political pawning is exactly what some are already doing in the wake of Kirk’s shooting.

2. The Assassination Event: What Happened

[06:00–14:00]

• Details of the Shooting:

  • Charlie Kirk was shot during a Q&A at Utah Valley University.
  • The shot is believed to have come from a rooftop/sniper position, consistent with law enforcement's working theory.
  • The wound was grave (above the left clavicle, likely severing a main artery).
  • Kirk was immediately rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
    • “He slumped over immediately...indicated that it was very unlikely that he was going to pull through from this.” (Tony Kennett, 09:10)

• Chaos and Confusion:

  • Reports and misinformation spread rapidly online.
  • Multiple suspects and conflicting reports; initial suspect (an older white man) screamed “shoot me, shoot me” and was detained but later (as updated) held on obstruction.

3. The Aftermath: Media and Political Responses

[17:04–26:15]

• Media Coverage:

  • Malicious Framing:

    • Some mainstream media anchors, such as MSNBC analysts and Katie Tur, described Kirk as "divisive" and a "lightning rod" even before his death was confirmed.
      • “We don’t know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration…” (MSNBC Analyst, 17:18)
      • “What on God’s green earth are you doing as an anchor? Why are you...characterizing?” (Tony Kennett, 19:44)

  • Political Narrative:

    • Matthew Dowd linked Kirk’s death to hate speech:
      • “He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures...I always go back to hateful thoughts lead to hateful words which then lead to hateful actions.” (Matthew Dowd, 22:15)

  • Fear of Retaliation:

    • Katie Tur and others focus on fear of “someone taking up the cause” and escalating violence.
      • “If you’re in the FBI field office and you see this sort of stuff bubbling up online, how worried do you get about somebody taking up the cause of Charlie Kirk and lashing out on somebody?” (Katie Tur, 25:01)

• Political Statements:

  • A mix of respect and politicization:
    • Decency: Trump, J.D. Vance, Gavin Newsom, Chuck Schumer, and Elizabeth Warren offered sympathy and condemned political violence.
      • “The great, even legendary, Charlie Kirk is dead...Charlie, we love you.” (Donald Trump, paraphrased by Kennett, 28:27)
    • Politicization: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and others linked Kirk’s death to Donald Trump and January 6th.
      • “I think the president’s rapid rhetoric often foments it. We’ve seen the January 6th rioters who clearly...have tripped a new era of political violence.” (J.B. Pritzker, 26:15)
    • Controversy on the House Floor: Attempts at a moment of silence for Kirk were met with objections and partisan tension.
      • “Can someone please lead us in a moment of prayer for Charlie…?”
      • “No, no.” (House Democrats, 55:55)

4. Personal Reflection: The Man Charlie Kirk

[34:00–39:45]

• Kennett recalls Kirk’s kindness and support when Kennett was suspended as a whistleblower:
  • “Charlie Kirk reached out to me personally...and checked up on us again and again.”
• Emphasizes Kirk’s influence as a model husband, father, and Christian.

5. A Christian Legacy

[37:45–39:24]

• Kirk’s Reflections on Faith:

  • Audio segment sharing Kirk’s words on Jesus’ love, grace, and truth.
    • “Jesus was 100% grace and truth...Christ loves us too much to have us continue to live in sin. He wants us to try to elevate our actions to glorify God.” (Charlie Kirk, 38:14)

• Kennett ties Kirk’s values to the broader need for strong, responsible men, fathers, and husbands in America.

6. Blame, Retribution, and Where We Go From Here

[39:45–46:00]

• Kennett expresses hope that Kirk’s legacy will inspire improvement, not retaliation.

  • “Done playing around doesn’t mean wanton, angry, retribution style violence. It simply means no longer taking seriously those who try to paint a both sidesism kind of picture.” (Tony Kennett, 44:20)

• Highlighting Social Media Cruelty:

  • Kennett plays and comments on TikTok and other reactions celebrating Kirk’s death.
    • “Not saying she deserved it, but I’m saying God’s timing is always right.” (TikTok user, 45:42)
    • “Sick, sick.” (Tony Kennett, 45:49)

7. Southern Poverty Law Center's Role

[47:32–54:10]

• Interview with Tyler O’Neill (Daily Signal) on SPLC’s hate map and its implications.

  • “They started going ever more mainstream with their targets...They put conservative and Christian organizations on the map with Klan chapters…” (Tyler O’Neill, 47:41)
  • “Turning Point USA on the hate map alongside Klan chapters...This sets off alarm bells…” (Tyler O’Neill, 49:47)

• Kennett and O'Neill discuss the potential for such designations to encourage or rationalize political violence.

8. Real-Time Updates and Cautions

[55:05–End]

• Updates:

  • The original suspect (older white man) is held on obstruction but is not confirmed as the shooter.
  • Kennett urges patience until official information is released.

• On Rapid Online Misinformation:

  • Warns about the proliferation of “cottage industry” false content in the wake of tragedies.

• Finishing Reflection:

  • Calls for prayer for Kirk’s family.
  • Recommends honoring Kirk’s example by seeking truth and community, not vengeance.
    • “At these times and in these moments in acts of great unspeakable evil, to draw nigh to God is far more appropriate than getting out in front of people and saying he deserved it.” (Tony Kennett, 58:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This is a political assassination. End quote. And again, right now, from all of the evidence that is presented, that is an obvious truth.” (Utah Governor Cox via Tony Kennett, 15:50)
• “Immediately, well, this is all Donald Trump’s fault is disgusting. It is the lowest of the low.” (Tony Kennett, 27:08)
• “The more clearly it appears to be a political assassination. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. The political part of the political assassination is key.” (Tony Kennett, 28:34)
• “I am very proud to have known him, if for no other reason than is the example that he set specifically. And it's not at all how he's being painted today.” (Tony Kennett, 36:53)
• “It's truly, truly sickening.” (Tony Kennett, 29:22)
• “When there was a person on the left who was attacked, the right is blamed. And when there was a person on the right who was attacked, the left… and the right is blamed.” (Tony Kennett, 33:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:48] – Framing: Victims as Political Pawns
• [06:00] – The shooting of Charlie Kirk detailed
• [15:50] – Confirmation, political assassination attribution
• [17:09] – MSNBC’s initial media response
• [19:44] – Critique of media framing (Katie Tur)
• [22:15] – Matthew Dowd and narrative of ‘hate speech’
• [24:27] – Fear of retaliation
• [26:15] – J.B. Pritzker blames Trump/Jan 6
• [28:27] – Political leaders’ official statements
• [34:00] – Kennett’s personal reflection
• [37:52] – Kirk’s on-stage remarks about faith
• [45:42] – TikTok/social media reactions
• [47:32] – Interview: Tyler O’Neill (SPLC and hate maps)
• [55:05] – Clarification on the suspect and call for caution
• [55:55] – House of Representatives: Moment of silence disruption
• [58:30+] – Final remarks: honoring memory, call for prayer, closing thoughts

Conclusion

Tony Kennett’s episode serves as an unflinching report and eulogy for Charlie Kirk, blending news reporting with blunt criticism of media and political actors’ responses. Kennett both mourns his friend and colleague and uses the moment to decry a culture of divisiveness and the weaponization of tragedy while calling for a return to personal virtue, responsible manhood, and faith.