Bill Maher on Friday expressed grief over the killing of conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk and condemned those on the far left who celebrated the death, saying political dialogue must be preserved even across sharp ideological divides.
Maher, speaking to guest Billy Corgan on his show, described the day as a "s--- day" and said he could not stop thinking about Kirk after the assassination at a campus event that stunned the nation and renewed debate over political rhetoric and violence. "If you're on the other side of the political divide, and you don't care because the wrong team guy got shot — f--- you. You're what's wrong with this country," Maher said.
Maher praised conservatives such as Kirk for being willing to engage in discussion with opponents, saying that at least some conservatives will "talk to you," and contrasting that with what he described as a segment of the left that refuses dialogue. He reiterated that he still identifies as an "old-school liberal" but criticized what he called the far-left’s dominance over modern progressive politics.
"Charlie Kirk was always willing to engage — I talked to him here," Maher said. "Say what you want about right-wingers, but they'll talk to you. The left has more of a, 'I won't talk to you. You're deplorable. I can't break bread with you.' Right-wingers don't have that attitude."
Corgan, the Smashing Pumpkins frontman who appeared as a guest, joined Maher in condemning violence. "Violence has to be off the table," Corgan said, adding that peace should never be taken for granted and pointing to countries still plagued by sectarian political violence.
Photographs and floral tributes were left by mourners at memorials over the weekend, including a vigil at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington and gatherings outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria. The scenes underscored a public reckoning with political polarization and the risks of escalating rhetoric.
Maher said he did not agree with Kirk’s politics but emphasized Kirk’s humanity, noting he was "a husband, and a father." He called on both sides of the political spectrum to take responsibility for extremists within their ranks if political violence is to be curtailed.
Commentary across media outlets and from political leaders has reflected the polarized aftermath of the killing, with many calling for restraint and a recommitment to nonviolent debate while others debated whether the national climate of partisan hostility contributed to the attack. Some social media users and activists were criticized after posts celebrating the killing circulated online, prompting renewed scrutiny of online conduct and platform moderation.
The assassination has prompted calls from elected officials and civic leaders for calm and for an examination of how political discourse can be safeguarded. Analysts note that public figures across the political spectrum have, at times, relied on sharply adversarial rhetoric that can inflame supporters and opponents alike, while others point to extremist fringes as the root cause of political violence.
Maher’s remarks add to a chorus of voices from across the media landscape urging restraint and the protection of civil discourse. He framed his criticism of those celebrating the killing as a defense of democratic norms: "If you're on the other side... and you don't care because the wrong team guy got shot — f--- you. You're what's wrong with this country," he said.
Investigations into the shooting remain ongoing. Law enforcement and campus officials have said they will provide updates as inquiries proceed, and leaders from multiple sectors have called for evidence-based reforms to reduce the risk of politically motivated violence while protecting free speech and lawful protest.
The debate over how to balance robust political disagreement with safety and civility is likely to continue as the nation reacts to the killing and memorials proceed, with public figures, media commentators and political organizations reassessing rhetoric, security and the responsibilities of leaders in shaping public discourse.