Key Takeaways:
- Act of Terror: DNI Tulsi Gabbard declared that Charlie Kirk’s assassination was “the very definition of terrorism,” meant to silence his voice and intimidate conservatives across America.
- Fear of Debate: Gabbard compared the assassin to al-Qaeda and other extremists, saying fanatics resort to violence when their ideas can’t stand up to free and open debate.
- Legacy of Freedom: She urged Americans to honor Kirk by defending the Constitution and God-given rights, rejecting the media’s attempt to justify the attack and vowing not to let evil win.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard did not mince words Thursday as she condemned the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, calling it an act designed to “terrorize those who think like Charlie into silence.”
In a powerful statement on the anniversary of 9/11, Gabbard compared the attack on Kirk to the methods of al-Qaeda and other extremists who resort to violence when they cannot win the battle of ideas.
“The person who shot Charlie Kirk sought to silence him, using violence to take away his freedom of speech by ending his life and to terrorize those who think like Charlie into silence,” she wrote, calling the act “the very definition of terrorism.”
Gabbard described Kirk as “one of a kind — kind, loving, courageous,” a man who “lived what he preached.” She praised his devotion to free debate, noting he welcomed differences of opinion “freely” and “respectfully” until his final moments.
She blasted establishment media outlets like MSNBC for rushing to spin the tragedy. “I was sickened, but not surprised,” Gabbard said, noting the same justifications were used after the assassination attempt on President Trump. The message from the left, she argued, is always the same: “shut up, be quiet, or face the consequences.”
Reports have also emerged suggesting the ammunition used in the attack was marked with transgender messages — further evidence of political motivation. The shooter remains at large.
“Our nation lost one of our greatest champions of freedom,” Gabbard concluded. “Charlie truly loved our country and dedicated his life to protecting our God-given rights. We must honor his life’s work by continuing to lift our own voices and defend our God-given freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.”
For Gabbard — and millions of Americans — Charlie Kirk’s legacy is clear: evil will not win, and free voices will not be silenced.