On Monday’s episode of CNN’s “Newsnight,” host Abby Phillip and CNN contributor Van Jones criticized Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA for his comparison of Illina Zaltoska’s fatal stabbing in Charlotte to the George Floyd incident from 2020 in Minneapolis.
Philip played a clip from Kirk’s show, where he made his controversial claim. Jones remarked that Kirk should feel shame over his comments.
Abby Phillip: Some people seem eager to highlight cases like this. Let’s listen to Charlie Kirk’s perspective on why he believes this incident isn’t receiving much media coverage.
(Start video clip)
Charlie Kirk: White Ukrainian refugees were killed because of their race. It’s obvious. If a random white person were to stab a decent, law-abiding Black person, it would have sparked a massive national outcry, used to drive sweeping political change. Yet, with the stabbing of this white woman, Meghan Basham seems indifferent.
(End of video clip)
Kara Swisher: Wow. He really said “white.”
Arthur Adara: Well, we’re discussing it right now. So… that’s something.
Swisher: Good point.
Adara: Still, I don’t think that’s entirely fair. I’ve represented individuals with mental health issues, and often the system just isn’t equipped for this. New York has programs for those with mental disabilities, but it’s about making sure people actually want to participate, not just forcing them.
Philip: It’s tough for someone who’s mentally ill to even realize it. I feel like Kirk’s remarks are an attempt to draw parallels to George Floyd. And, honestly, it’s disappointing to see people hopping on that train.
Van Jones, a senior political commentator for CNN, added: What happened to that young woman is horrifying; it’s a nightmare scenario for anyone. If you’re out and about, the fear of something terrible happening is always in the back of your mind.
I don’t know what motivated the attacker, but to suggest he did it just because she was white is fundamentally wrong. Kirk also claimed if the situation were reversed, society would undergo significant changes.
But where is the George Floyd Policing Act? Even when a white cop killed a Black man in front of millions, nothing changed—no major legislation passed federally. That’s worth pointing out.
The discussion around cashless bail is also significant. If cash bail existed, would you feel more secure knowing a thousand dollars was paid for someone’s release? The issue isn’t just about bail systems; it’s also about a person’s inability to manage their own trauma. What transpired was awful, but it seems to provide an opportunity for others to exploit the situation.
As for Charlie Kirk, he should be ashamed. Nobody else focused so heavily on race, only him. What everyone really cares about is the tragedy that befell that young woman.
Brian Todd: I’m with you on this, Van. I don’t see why Kirk brought race into it.
But about Congress’s inaction post-George Floyd, it’s partly because Democrats didn’t support Tim Scott’s bill. Chuck Schumer seemed to prioritize using the issue for political gain instead of letting Scott take the lead.
There’s also something we’re missing here—the magistrate who released the suspect back in January. She’s not a legal expert or judge; she came from a background in addiction and recovery. Maybe her personal experiences influenced her perspective, but that doesn’t mean she’s qualified to determine someone’s freedom.
