GOP Senator ‘Disgusted’ by Conservatives Declaring ‘War’ After Kirk Killed
Senator Thom Tillis, Republican of North Carolina, expressed sharp disapproval of fellow conservatives who used the killing of Charlie Kirk to frame the nation’s political divisions as “war,” calling the rhetoric “cheap, disgusting, [and] awful” in comments to National Journal.
Kirk, 31, was the co-founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, a conservative campus organization that grew into a powerful force on the right. A close ally of former President Donald Trump, he was also a frequent political commentator and speaker, known for his appearances on college campuses and in conservative media.
His assassination has added to an already tense national climate. Political violence has been on the rise, with recent incidents including the June killing of Minnesota Democratic state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband in what authorities described as a targeted attack. Lawmakers and public figures from both parties have condemned Kirk’s killing, though responses have underscored partisan divides.
Kirk was fatally shot Wednesday during a student Q&A at Utah Valley University. Witnesses said the gunman fired at close range, striking him in the neck. Just moments before the attack, Kirk had been answering a question on gun violence, an issue on which he had often spoken. Videos of the shooting and its aftermath quickly circulated online, drawing national attention and sparking heated debate.
While tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, some conservative figures described Kirk’s death in martial terms. Fox News host Jesse Watters called it a “turning point,” and Steve Bannon declared on his War Room podcast, “Charlie Kirk is a casualty of war. We are at war in this country.” Other commentators echoed similar themes, portraying the incident as part of a broader ideological battle.
Tillis pushed back strongly against such language. “Some are using this opportunity to say we’re at war so that they could get some of our conservative followers lathered up over this,” he told reporter Nancy Vu. He added that he was “disgusted” by two particular individuals, though he did not specify names.
Authorities have not confirmed a suspect in the case, though Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said the shooter appeared to have “blended in well with the college institution.” The investigation remains ongoing.
Reactions from political leaders have been intense. Trump, posting on Truth Social, praised Kirk as “The Great, and even Legendary” and later described him as a “martyr for truth and freedom.” Vice President JD Vance, a longtime ally of Kirk, credited him with shaping the administration’s success and staffing. On the other end of the spectrum, former President Barack Obama urged restraint, writing that while the motive remains unknown, “this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.”
Online, commentary ranged from mourning to incendiary. The Libs of TikTok account declared “THIS IS WAR.” Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) blamed Democrats directly, while Elon Musk claimed “the left is the party of murder.” Actor James Woods characterized the incident as “Democrat violence,” while conservative influencer Benny Johnson called Kirk “a martyr” and framed his death as “a Turning Point for America.”
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and two children. Memorial services have not yet been announced as officials continue efforts to identify and apprehend the gunman.