Late-Night Host Jimmy Kimmel Condemns "Vile" Cheers for Charlie Kirk's Death
In a scathing critique of the current state of American politics, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel slammed the "vile" responses to the death of 31-year-old conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk. During his Thursday night monologue on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel expressed outrage over the cheering that erupted from some quarters following Kirk's fatal shooting on a Utah college campus.
Kimmel, known for his biting wit and sharp commentary, lambasted those who celebrated Kirk's death, stating, "I won't ever understand" such reactions. He also took aim at former President Donald Trump, who, according to Kimmel, blamed Democrats for their rhetoric in the wake of Kirk's killing. "He blamed Democrats for their rhetoric," Kimmel said, adding that this response was a "cop-out."
Kirk's death has sparked widespread condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum, with many expressing shock and sadness at the loss of life. Whoopi Goldberg and the hosts of The View called Kirk's shooting "a horror that's beyond devastating," while Rainn Wilson, an actor and vocal critic of toxic masculinity, tweeted that Kirk's death was a "tragic reminder" of the need for greater civility in public discourse.
The incident has also raised questions about the impact of hate speech and incendiary rhetoric on American society. According to experts, the normalization of violence and aggression in online spaces can have real-world consequences, including the escalation of conflicts and the dehumanization of individuals with opposing views.
Kimmel's monologue served as a stark reminder of the need for greater empathy and understanding in public discourse. As he noted, "We had another school shooting yesterday... We're still trying to figure out how to stop it." His comments also highlighted the importance of holding leaders accountable for their words and actions, particularly in times of crisis.
In response to Kimmel's critique, a spokesperson for Trump's office declined to comment. Turning Point USA, the organization co-founded by Kirk, released a statement expressing sadness at his passing and vowing to continue his work.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of Kirk's death, one thing is clear: the need for greater civility and respect in public discourse has never been more pressing. As Kimmel so eloquently put it, "This is antithetical to who we are as Americans."
*Reporting by Variety.*