Charlie Kirk Assassination Prompts Calls for National Reflection
The assassination of conservative influencer and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting an outpouring of grief and sparking deeper conversations about political violence, national unity, and media responsibility. Colby Hall, founding editor of Mediaite and frequent contributor to NewsNation, joined The Ryan Gorman Show to unpack the gravity of the event and how it reflects a troubling moment in American history.
"It sort of transcends politics," Hall said, describing Kirk as a controversial yet impactful figure. "He was a world-class debater who treated people with grace and respect—even when he disagreed with them." Hall emphasized that no ideology can justify political violence, calling the assassination "a deep scar on American history."
Hall drew a stark comparison between today's fractured political climate and the unity that followed the September 11th attacks. A New Yorker during 9/11, Hall recalled the collective spirit of Americans from all walks of life rallying together in the aftermath. "We are so far from that moment," he said, visibly emotional. "It's a shame. We all need to look at ourselves and try to do better."
Both Hall and Gorman criticized the graphic coverage of Kirk's death, especially the widespread sharing of the shooting video across social media platforms. Hall called them "snuff films" that desensitize the public and erode societal norms. He endorsed greater content moderation, noting that even in sports, networks refrain from replaying gruesome injuries. "We need to humanize these victims," Hall urged. "Celebrate their lives—not use them as props in a disgusting film."
To hear more of Colby Hall’s take on the media’s responsibility in moments of national trauma—and why he believes MSNBC “failed the moment”—listen to the full conversation on The Ryan Gorman Show podcast.