The Story Charlie Kirk and the rise of political violence in the US
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Sep 12, 2025 Katy Balls, Washington Editor and Columnist for The Times, dives deep into the alarming rise of political violence in the U.S. following the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. She discusses how Kirk became a pivotal figure for young conservatives and his controversial campus tour that ended in violence. The conversation highlights the troubling normalization of political aggression, media influences on public perception, and the increasing polarization shaping today's political landscape. A must-listen for insights into the shifting dynamics of American politics!
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Shooting At Campus Event
- A Utah Valley University amphitheatre event turned to horror when Charlie Kirk was shot during a campus appearance.
- President Trump announced Kirk's death on Truth Social and called it an assassination, deepening shock across the country.
Influence Through Youth Organising
- Charlie Kirk built influence not from office but from youth organising and huge online reach.
- His statements mattered to the MAGA movement and to the White House because of that grassroots reach.
Reporting From Turning Point Summit
- Katy Balls attended a Turning Point Summit and met Kirk, noting a conference full of enthusiastic young supporters.
- She described Kirk as polite in person and effective at debating students with his "Prove Me Wrong" approach.