Good Faith David French on Political Violence in America and Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
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Sep 18, 2025 
David French, a legal analyst and New York Times columnist, discusses the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and its implications for political violence in America. He examines how influencers have reshaped political discourse, particularly for Gen Z. French highlights the dangers of extremism across the political spectrum and the need for civic leaders to model civility. He also addresses the church's vital role in healing division and presents practical pathways to overcome societal polarization.
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Personal Meeting With Charlie Kirk
- David French met Charlie Kirk once at NRB 2021 and remembers a pleasant, wide-ranging conversation despite disagreements.
- French says Kirk was often courteous in person, contrasting with his pugilistic online persona.
Attack On Debate Norms
- The assassination wasn't only the murder of a man but an attack on the norms of campus debate and free exchange.
- French argues a bullet struck at the heart of the American experiment of civil disagreement.
Apocalyptic Rhetoric Shapes Gen Z
- Gen Z is more open to political violence partly because they've only known nonstop apocalyptic rhetoric and fierce combat framing.
- French links this formation to the ease with which some young people view violence as a response to perceived existential threats.
