Tucker Carlson, the conservative commentator and former Fox News host, broke his public silence on the fatal shooting of his friend Charlie Kirk on Thursday, saying he has faced threats and “close calls” on his life and warning that the United States is “in a form of civil war.” Carlson made the remarks during an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, which aired before the suspect in Kirk’s killing was arrested.
On the episode, Carlson described relying on faith and prayer to cope with threats and said that concerns about his safety extend to his large family. "I've had a couple, several things that I consider very, very close calls," he told host Megyn Kelly. Carlson said Kirk had recently been at his home and called the response of some people celebrating Kirk's death “overwhelming.” The program also featured Donald Trump Jr. and commentator Benny Johnson.
Carlson said he initially suspected online praise for the killing might be "manufactured" but then saw real people celebrating and said the depth of vitriol was distressing. He urged a return to order and argued for a moral transformation in how Americans view one another, including political opponents.
The comments came after Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Sunday that Robinson had not been cooperating with investigators and confirmed media reports that Robinson was in a romantic relationship with his roommate, Lance Twiggs, who is male and transitioning to female. Cox said Twiggs has been “incredibly cooperative” with investigators and that authorities are examining the relationship as a possible motive.
Robinson was taken into custody after his family turned him in to police, Cox said. The governor also said forensic work — including shell casing evidence — is being analyzed as investigators piece together the events surrounding the shooting. Robinson is scheduled to appear in court in Utah next week. If convicted and prosecutors seek capital punishment, he could face execution by firing squad under Utah law.
Kirk was addressing audience questions about transgender perpetrators of mass shootings moments before he was shot. Video and reports of the exchange circulated on social media after the attack; Gov. Cox and other officials have said they are reviewing witness accounts and video evidence as part of the probe.
The attack prompted a national uproar, with widespread mourning among supporters and condemnation from conservative leaders. President Donald Trump called for the death penalty for Kirk’s alleged killer, describing Kirk as the "finest person." The shooting also triggered public and private consequences for several educators and professionals whose online comments about Kirk after the attack drew scrutiny and, in some cases, disciplinary action.
Kirk, who often spoke and wrote critically about LGBTQ issues, is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children. Funeral services are scheduled for Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Authorities and officials have said the investigation remains active as they continue to interview witnesses and process forensic evidence.