DJDS Students React to Charlie Kirk Assassination 

On Sept. 10, 2025, 31-year-old conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University during his “American Comeback Tour.”

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA— a nonprofit that promotes conservative politics on campuses— was a prominent supporter of Israel and a polarizing figure in American politics. Known for his outspoken views on education, race, gender, and conservative values, he consistently drew both passionate supporters and sharp criticism.

The killing sparked widespread shock and debate within the DJDS community. 

“A huge problem with the U.S. today is... there isn’t much patience for listening to other sides,” said Noah Kutnick, a DJDS 10th grader who supports many of Kirk's positions on Israel. “I never thought in my lifetime I would hear the words, ‘Charlie Kirk has been shot.’”

Some students declined to comment, citing either discomfort with discussing such a controversial figure or a lack of knowledge. “I don’t know enough about the topic,” said Zeke Brooks, a DJDS 10th grader. 

While all students condemned political violence, their reactions ranged from sadness to criticism. 

“It was really upsetting to see he was assassinated,” said Elijah Segal, a DJDS 12th grader. “I think gun violence is a major pandemic in the U.S... We’re Americans. At the end of the day, we’re still on the same team, and we need to be working together, not fighting against each other. ” 

Others voiced complicated emotional reactions, expressing discomfort with Kirk’s ideology while reflecting on the broader impact of his death.

“It’s sad that people are dying or people are getting injured, but I also think that if that doesn’t happen, there will never be a change,” said Emma Lowenthal, a DJDS 10th grader. “I think it’s sad that [Kirk’s] children had kind of front row seats to his death, but I also know that they are going to grow up in a world where they are fearing guns and how horrible they are.” 

Some were more blunt in their criticism. “I think that he was a misogynistic bigot with no respect for women, people of color, or victims of gun violence, or rape,” said DJDS tenth grader Nia Samake. “I think that there's too much publicity drawn around his death rather than other victims of gun violence.”

The suspect in the shooting, 22‑year‑old Tyler James Robinson, allegedly fired from a rooftop and is charged with aggravated murder and multiple other counts; prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Officials reported that Robinson was politically motivated and expressed 

“Yes, it’s bad that he [Kirk] is dead, but I also think it’s a new step in the right direction,” Loewenthal said. “Finally, people more right or right-leaning are saying, ‘hm, this is bad, we should do something about that.’” 

Kirk’s life was marked by controversy. To his supporters, he was a fierce advocate for conservative values and free speech. Critics accused him of spreading divisive rhetoric and misinformation. 

His death has fueled a nationwide debate about political violence, free speech, and the safety of public figures in a divided society, and DJDS is just a small microcosm of that larger conversation. 

*Cooper Coughlan contributed to this report*