Scott Jennings Discusses Reactions to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Republican strategist Scott Jennings described Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk as a “mainstream conservative” during a CNN appearance. He pointed out that those who found humor in Kirk’s assassination, which occurred on Wednesday, suggested a troubling perspective—that individuals who voted for President Donald Trump deserve violence.

Several prominent figures, including MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd and Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah, lost their jobs due to their reactions to the incident. Jennings criticized these critics, arguing that their responses to the assassination were not merely about disagreement but rather reflections of a deeper issue surrounding the public discourse on violence.

On CNN, Jennings expressed concern over the online celebration of Kirk’s assassination, noting that it raises serious questions about the safety of conservatives today. He highlighted a broader cultural narrative that labels conservative figures as extremists or worse, which, he suggested, inadvertently justifies violence against a significant portion of the American populace.

Jennings urged listeners to consider the implications of such attitudes, stating, “If you’re saying this is justified, you’re implying there’s a good reason for violence against half the country.” He emphasized that these circumstances should alarm anyone concerned about societal stability.

In a previous CNN segment, David Urban, who worked on President Trump’s campaign, referenced a Rutgers investigation showing that a substantial percentage of self-identified leftists supported the notion of violence towards Trump. This context adds complexity to the ongoing discourse regarding political violence and its normalization.

Meanwhile, Trump himself faced two assassination attempts during the 2024 presidential campaign, one at a rally in Pennsylvania and another while golfing in Florida.