Trump's Terms What's next in the investigation into Charlie Kirk's assassination
Sep 15, 2025
Javed Ali, a former FBI counterterrorism analyst and associate professor, dives deep into the ongoing investigation into Charlie Kirk's assassination. He discusses the complex motives behind such violent acts and the critical role of physical evidence. Ali also sheds light on the FBI's classification of nihilistic violent extremism, contrasting it with past definitions. The conversation touches on the broader challenges law enforcement faces in combating political violence against the backdrop of a divided political landscape.
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Why Motives Take Time To Uncover
- Determining 'why' someone commits an attack is complex and often slow.
- Investigators must assemble many evidence streams to understand individual motivations.
Personal Details Aren't Proof Of Motive
- Personal details like a suspect's household situation may be investigated but don't by themselves prove motive.
- Only the suspect can confirm intent, and noncooperation slows clarity.
New Label: Nihilistic Violent Extremism
- The FBI now uses categories like "nihilistic violent extremism" for attackers who don't fit older labels.
- This label covers violent acts driven by unclear or mixed beliefs rather than a single ideology.