Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) on Thursday blamed the news media for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, accusing reporters on the steps of the U.S. Capitol of being “responsible” for the attack.
Van Orden pointed at journalists and said, “Every single one of you here, you’re at fault,” according to video of the exchange. When a reporter attempted to press him on the accusation, Van Orden replied, “Knock it off, knock it off,” and later told a reporter who followed him, “Get out of my face.” His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Charlie Kirk, 31, the founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University during the kickoff of his college “American Comeback Tour.” Authorities have not announced a suspect in the killing and the investigation remains active.
Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL and first-term congressman, has been publicly critical of the media and Democratic politicians in recent days. On Wednesday he posted on X that “the left-wing media is the propaganda arm of the 21st century brown shirts that is the Democrat party,” commenting on an apology from the president of MSNBC for a contributor’s remarks about the killing. MSNBC subsequently fired the contributor, Matthew Dowd, after what the network described as “unacceptable” commentary.
In Thursday’s confrontation on the Capitol steps, Van Orden said reporters “should be ashamed of yourself; it’s disgusting,” and later left as journalists attempted additional questions. Video of the exchange shows him walking away from the group while continuing to criticize coverage of the shooting and the broader media environment.
Kirk’s death prompted a wave of commentary across the political spectrum. Some critics and commentators drew scrutiny for aggressive or inflammatory remarks in the aftermath. Media organizations and congressional leaders have called for restraint as law enforcement agencies continue their investigation into the fatal shooting at the Utah campus event.
Van Orden has previously been described as combative with reporters and congressional staff. Past incidents include a public reprimand after a confrontation with Senate pages in the Capitol. Those episodes have contributed to his reputation for confrontational interactions with media and colleagues.
Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information about the Utah Valley University shooting to come forward, and investigators have indicated they are following multiple leads. The shooting has renewed debate in Washington over political rhetoric and safety at public events, with officials from both parties condemning violence and calling for careful public discourse while the investigation proceeds.
The remarks by Van Orden drew quick attention because they directly blamed members of the press for a violent crime and came amid heightened tensions following the killing of a high-profile conservative figure. As of Thursday evening, no charges had been announced in connection with the shooting, and authorities provided few additional public details about a suspect or motive.
House and Senate leaders have not publicly commented on Van Orden’s remarks. Congressional offices and media organizations often emphasize the importance of responsible language from elected officials; several lawmakers and press leaders have previously urged restraint after politically charged incidents, saying inflammatory rhetoric can complicate law enforcement efforts and public safety.
Investigators in Utah continue to seek witnesses and review video and other evidence from the campus event. Meanwhile, the rapid national reaction to Kirk’s death — from social media posts to statements by public figures — underscores the intersection of politics, media coverage and public safety that is shaping the ongoing discussion in Washington and across the country.