Former President Barack Obama said Tuesday the U.S. is at an “inflection point” following Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
He called the conservative activist’s murder a “tragedy” regardless of political disagreements.
Obama’s First Remarks
Obama made the comments during a summit at the Jefferson Educational Society in Erie, Pennsylvania.
“Even if you think they’re on the other side of the argument, that’s a threat to all of us,” he said.
Barack Obama
He urged Americans to condemn violence clearly and without hesitation.
The former president warned that political violence is on the rise.
He said such violence is “anathema” to democracy and must be opposed.
Obama also said citizens must “extend grace” to those mourning Kirk’s death.
He reminded the crowd that Kirk left behind a wife and two young children.
Criticism of Trump
Obama argued that Trump and his administration have fueled divisions.
He claimed extremist views were not supported under his own leadership.
“When we have the weight of the U.S. government behind extremist views, we’ve got a problem,” he said.
‘NOT IN MY WHITE HOUSE’: Former President Barack Obama took a veiled swipe at President Trump, suggesting a “problem” of “extreme views” inside the U.S. government — something he declared wasn’t an issue during his terms — in the wake of the “horrific” Charlie Kirk assassination. pic.twitter.com/nqFYDTfGf6
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 18, 2025
He contrasted Trump’s rhetoric with his own approach and that of George W. Bush.
Obama said past leaders, including John McCain and Mitt Romney, sought unity.
He criticized Trump aides for describing political opponents as “vermin” and “enemies.”
Obama said such language reflects a broader cultural problem.
The Assassination
Kirk, 31, was killed Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.
He was fatally shot in the neck during a campus event.
The attack shocked the conservative movement and drew nationwide mourning.
Kirk was a close Trump ally and co-founded Turning Point USA.
Vigils have been held across the country in his memory.
His widow Erika was named CEO of TPUSA after his death.
The Assassin
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested more than 30 hours after the shooting.
He has been charged with aggravated murder and other felonies.
Authorities say Robinson texted his transgender partner after the killing.
He allegedly wrote that he “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred.”
Investigators say Robinson became radicalized in the year before the shooting.
He remains in custody awaiting trial.
Obama’s Warning
Obama said the U.S. must “fight for our democracy and values.”
He said mourning Kirk did not mean agreeing with his political ideas.
He insisted respectful debate must continue without resorting to violence.
He said presidents should lower tensions and remind Americans of common bonds.
Obama concluded that America faces a dangerous moment if political norms collapse.
He urged vigilance to protect democracy from rising extremism.
