VINCE Podcast – Episode 123: Rest In Peace Charlie Kirk

Host: Vince Coglianese
Date: September 11, 2025
Podcast Network: Cumulus Podcast Network | VINCE

Overview

This emotionally charged episode covers the stunning assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Host Vince Coglianese responds in real-time to developments and news, while reflecting on Kirk’s impact, the investigation, cultural ramifications, and the path forward for the political right. The episode includes exclusive updates from law enforcement, remarks from Donald Trump, and a heartfelt analysis of political violence in America.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking News: Charlie Kirk’s Assassination (00:00–15:00)

• Donald Trump Statement (00:00–01:14)
  • “Charlie inspired millions, and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror… He’s a martyr for truth and freedom, and there has never been anyone who was so respected by youth.”
    — Donald Trump [00:34]
• Vince shares how he and his audience learned of the shooting live on the radio.
• Emotional impact: Vince grapples with the disbelief and devastation of Kirk’s death.
• Call for Justice: Early in the episode, Vince emphasizes the urgency of capturing the assassin.

2. Law Enforcement Updates & Investigation Details (05:15–14:49)

• Utah DPS and FBI Briefings:
  • Commissioner Recap (05:15–08:41): Authorities detail the timeline of events: shooter’s arrival, movements on campus, and escape.
  • Shooter described as “blending in well” with college students, college-aged, still unidentified as of broadcast.
  • Clear video footage of the suspect exists but not yet released.
  • Recovery of murder weapon: Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle.
  • Forensics: DNA, palm, footwear, and forearm prints collected.
  • FBI Statement: “Any attack on the First Amendment is an attack on the very foundation of our democracy. That is why we will relentlessly pursue this case and the shooter until we find him.”
    — Special Agent Robert Bowles [12:30]
• Notable Details:
  • Spent cartridge and unspent rounds found; all cartridges were engraved with transgender and anti-fascist messaging.
  • Motive unclear; significant investigation ongoing.
  • Law enforcement cautions public not to harass “persons of interest” who were cleared.

3. Charlie Kirk: Legacy and Impact (17:30–35:00)

• The Turning Point Origin Story (17:45):
  • At age 18, Kirk persuaded donor Foster Friess in two minutes to seed what became Turning Point USA.
• Comparison to Andrew Breitbart: Impactful loss for the conservative movement, mirroring Breitbart’s passing in 2012.
• Bridging Factions: Kirk forged connections among disparate right-wing figures — Don Jr., J.D. Vance, Tucker Carlson, Mark Levin, Alex Jones.
• Generational Talent:
  “Whatever concern I had… was allayed very quickly because… Charlie Kirk had one of the most unique generational talents for both communication and organization that anyone has ever been given by the Lord above.”
  — Vince [22:17]

4. Political Violence & Media Critique (35:00–47:00)

• Linking Left-Wing Activism to Violence:
  • Vince recounts incidents from the Alexandria baseball shooting to assassination attempts on Trump and Justices, painting a picture of escalating left-wing violence.
  • Cites surveys:
    “48% of liberals say it would be at least somewhat justified to murder Elon Musk. 55% said the same about Donald Trump.”
    — Quoting Charlie Kirk [41:35]
  • Calls out left-wing leaders’ rhetoric for inflaming tensions, criticizes their post-incident statements as inadequate.
• Media Responsibility:
  • Condemns media for labeling Kirk as “far right” or “extremist” after his assassination.
  • Quote: “NBC as a network should not exist… These are not news channels. These are propagandists…”
    — Vince [44:10]
• Honoring Dialogue Over Violence:
  • Vince argues violence is not “both sides,” but predominantly active on the left, as per his cited data.

5. Presidential Response and Honor (45:59–47:06)

• Donald Trump Announcement:
  • Reveals that Kirk will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
  • “Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions… I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk posthumously the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
    — Trump [45:59]
• Vince reflects on the President’s visible grief and the importance of his leadership at this moment.

6. Personal Reflections and Call to Action (47:06–56:14)

• Vince’s Personal Takeaways:
  • Encourages listeners to honor Kirk by striving for excellence and holding family close.
  • Reflects on the unpredictability of life and the need to make every moment meaningful.
• Advice for Conservatives:
  • “Look after your country. Speak up. Be better in every single way that you detect that you’re not good enough yet… Charlie did.”
    — Vince [54:56]

7. Charlie Kirk’s Voice Lives On (54:56–56:14)

• Vince closes with an excerpt from Kirk’s recent interview:
  • “My job every single day is actively trying to stop a revolution… towards getting back to church, getting back to faith, getting married, having children. That is the type of conservatism that I represent.”
    — Charlie Kirk, Deseret News, quoted by Vince [55:30]
• Call for unity and virtue over anger, as Kirk advocated.

8. Advice to the Next Generation (56:14–57:14)

• Closing exchange between a youth and a philosopher/guest:
  • “Aristotle said that courage is the ultimate virtue. Without it, there are no other virtues.”
    — Philosopher/Advisor [56:35]
  • “At age 13, I want you to commit yourself to a life of courage. Courage is doing the right thing when you don’t know how it’s going to work out.”
    — Philosopher/Advisor [56:41]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Donald Trump: “Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate… a martyr for truth and freedom.” [00:34]
• FBI's Bowles: “Any attack on the First Amendment is an attack on the very foundation of our democracy.” [12:30]
• Vince: “Charlie was the bridge between so many of the factions of the right… All of these, this whole universe of people all coming together around this one man…” [30:34]
• Charlie Kirk: “My job every single day is actively trying to stop a revolution… towards getting back to church, getting back to faith, getting married, having children.” [55:30]
• Philosopher/Advisor: “Courage is doing the right thing when you don’t know how it’s going to work out.” [56:41]

Memorable Moments

• The initial shock as Vince and his audience learn Kirk’s fate in real time.
• Emotional tributes from major right-wing figures and the announcement of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
• Data-driven critique of political violence, specifically diagnosing its prevalence and ideological sources.
• Personal exhortations: Vince encourages listeners to strive for personal excellence, unity, and to honor Kirk’s example.

Important Timestamps

• [00:00] – Donald Trump’s opening statement
• [05:15] – Utah Dept. of Public Safety press briefing
• [11:27] – FBI Special Agent Bowles speaks
• [14:49] – Suspect’s description and investigative updates
• [45:59] – Donald Trump announces Presidential Medal of Freedom for Kirk
• [54:56] – Vince quotes Charlie Kirk’s recent interview
• [56:14] – Advice to younger generation

Tone & Style

• Vince’s tone is impassioned, urgent, and deeply personal, balancing grief, outrage, and calls for resilience.
• The episode transitions between factual updates, historical context, and heartfelt eulogy, upholding the sharp, unvarnished analysis the show promises.

Conclusion

This episode of VINCE is both a raw chronicle of a historic tragedy and a reflective eulogy for Charlie Kirk. It combines breaking news with deep insight into Kirk’s life, legacy, and the cultural forces that led to his assassination. The episode concludes with a call for courage, unity, and a renewed commitment to the values that Kirk championed.