CNN Host Questions Reactions to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
On Tuesday, “CNN Newsnight” host Abby Phillip engaged in a discussion with Republican strategist Scott Jennings and Federalist Reporter Brianna Lyman about the online reactions following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Since Kirk’s assassination on September 10th, several individuals have faced backlash for their responses, including MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd and Washington Post columnist Karen Attia. Lyman prompted Phillip to consider whether notable Liberals and Democrats are celebrating the murder, especially on platforms like Bluesky. Jennings later remarked that those who celebrated Kirk’s death would likely not mourn if Trump supporters were harmed.
“Look at how the left reacted. They’re celebrating his death. There’s a platform where they claim Charlie Kirk’s death was unwarranted, yet he often expressed controversial views,” Lyman stated.
“I can’t quite remember the name. I noticed it on Twitter yesterday,” Lyman added, to which Phillip acknowledged she understood the reference.
Following their exchange, Jennings entered the conversation, asking, “Can I just say? Everyone here acknowledges that countless individuals took to social media to celebrate this.” He paused, then said, “I think we should base this on facts, right?”
He expressed uncertainty about the overall perspective, emphasizing the need to differentiate between random individuals and the broader issue.
A Rutgers investigation revealed that over half of respondents identifying as “Left of Center” thought the assassination of former President Donald Trump, who faced two assassination attempts during the 2024 election, was at least partially justified. A recent YouGov survey indicated that 25% of highly liberal participants found a public figure’s death somewhat acceptable.
Jennings criticized Phillip for downplaying the significance of dismissing “random people.” After further discussion, Lyman explained how Kirk’s assassination had resonated deeply with many conservatives. “I think it’s easy for those outside of conservatism to ignore this,” she noted. “Charlie Kirk was killed for espousing his beliefs about God, family, and country, which Scott and I wholeheartedly echo. If someone like him can be targeted for these views, it leaves many conservatives feeling endangered.”
Lyman further stated, “And it’s vital to recognize that left-wing violence isn’t just a fantasy. There’s a history here, like with Luigi Mangione, Ryan Rous, and Tyler Robinson.” She concluded her point by emphasizing that these individuals were also linked to leftist movements.
