Full Breakdown
Derrick Van Orden Blames Media for Charlie Kirk's Assassination
9/12/2025, 12:14:32 AM
Overview of the Incident
On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University. The shooting, which occurred when a sniper shot him in the neck, has left law enforcement searching for the assailant, whose identity remains unknown. In the aftermath, U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) publicly blamed the media for Kirk's assassination, asserting that journalists were complicit in fostering a climate of political violence.
Van Orden's Accusations Against the Media
During a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol, Van Orden directed his ire at reporters, stating, “Every single one of you here, you’re at fault. You are responsible for that assassination yesterday. You should be ashamed of yourself. It’s disgusting.” This confrontation was captured on video and widely circulated on social media. Van Orden's remarks came despite the ongoing investigation into the shooting and the absence of a suspect.
Political Rhetoric and Division
In the wake of Kirk's death, Van Orden has made numerous inflammatory statements on social media, suggesting that the left is to blame for the violence in America. He has referred to Democrats as "21st century Brown Shirts" and claimed that their policies are leading the nation toward civil war. His rhetoric has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Devin Remiker, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, who stated that Van Orden is “doing everything he can to encourage more violence.”
Context of Political Violence
Van Orden's comments reflect a broader trend of escalating political rhetoric in the United States. Following Kirk's assassination, he accused Democrats of normalizing political violence and suggested that the left's actions are directly responsible for the current climate of fear and division. He has previously made similar claims regarding other violent incidents, including the assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, where he prematurely speculated on the motives of the shooter.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Van Orden has placed blame on the media and Democrats, the investigation into Kirk's assassination is still ongoing, and no suspect has been identified. This lack of information has led to conflicting narratives about the motivations behind the shooting and the role of political rhetoric in contributing to violence.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to Van Orden's comments, various political figures have condemned his rhetoric. President Donald Trump, while expressing outrage over Kirk's death, also pointed to the "radical left" as being responsible for the current state of political violence in the country. Meanwhile, critics argue that Van Orden's statements only serve to deepen divisions rather than promote unity in the face of tragedy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You are responsible for that assassination yesterday. You should be ashamed of yourself. It's disgusting.” — Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)
- “At a time when everyone — Democrat, Independent, and Republican alike — should be coming together, Derrick Van Orden is doing everything he can to encourage more violence,” — Devin Remiker, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin
- “The left and their policies are leading America into a civil war.” — Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)
The situation surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination continues to evolve, with ongoing investigations and heightened political tensions.
