In a recent episode of HBO’s Real Time, Bill Maher criticized leftists for shifting their stance from advocating for gun control to backing individuals like Luigi Mangione and other suspects involved in serious crimes.
He kicked off this segment with a humorous remark: “And finally, Luigi Mangione, Cole Thomas Allen, Tyler Robinson, and the ghost of Thomas Crooks must form a boy band called the New Kids on the Glock.”
Mangione is charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024. Meanwhile, Cole Thomas Allen is alleged to have attacked the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026, while armed with both a shotgun and a handgun. Tyler Robinson is said to have assassinated Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA on September 10, 2025, and Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate President Trump on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Maher remarked, “They’re not the assassins your father used to know. The landscape has shifted. These days, today’s assassins actually have popular support among young people.”
He pointed out, “As much as 40% of young Americans believe that violence is a valid means to achieve political objectives. It’s surprising to think that just a short while ago, one of the primary causes on the left was gun control. But now, is it really guns that are the solution?”
He added, “I think so, because Luigi is a true sensation. He’s the original rock star of assassins. The younger ones coming up are even referencing him in their manifestos.”
As Maher spoke, an image of a college student appeared on the screen, prompting him to say: “This student, before throwing a Molotov cocktail at Sam Altman’s house, was engaged in some light conversation about ‘Luigi and certain tech CEOs…'” He remarked, “At least it was Luigi’s biggest admirer who caught fire here.”
He quipped, “It’s nice to see young people have role models, right?”
