The intersection of identity politics and tragedy: Benny Johnson on Kirk's death
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Dec 22, 2025, 22:27 IST
Benny Johnson recently stirred up debate by associating the tragic death of conservative figure Charlie Kirk with transgenderism. Kirk, who was fatally shot by sniper fire, is now at the center of an investigation into his alleged assailant, Tyler Robinson, known to have a transgender partner.
Right-wing commentator Benny Johnson ignited controversy by asserting that transgenderism was the cause of Charlie Kirk's assassination during a speech at the Turning Point USA AmericaFest event. Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed by a sniper in September while speaking at a campus event.
Johnson posted on X, labeling transgenderism an "epidemic." He stated, "I called out - by name - the true evil, demonic force that took Charlie Kirk from us live on stage at AmericaFest. Transgenderism. The epidemic of transgender violence is running rampant in our country. Transgenderism is a lie. God made male and female. God did not make you in the wrong body. God does not make mistakes. Charlie’s final words warned of this threat. The very ideology that claimed his life. His death exposed the danger. His legacy demands we confront it. Openly, unapologetically, without fear. Thank God the Trump administration is doing just that."
The man accused of killing Kirk, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was reportedly in a romantic relationship with a transgender partner, Utah officials confirmed at the time. However, authorities have stated there is no evidence yet to suggest this was the motive for the attack. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and other offenses. He has not publicly explained his actions and is not cooperating with investigators.
Utah governor Spencer Cox clarified that Robinson's partner is male and transitioning to female. Cox also noted that this individual has been "very cooperative" with authorities and had no prior knowledge of the shooting.
Charlie Kirk was known as an outspoken activist who advocated for traditional views on family and gender roles. An evangelical Christian, he did not support transgender policies and frequently criticized LGBTQ+ communities at various events. Kirk maintained a firm stance that third-gender roles undermine "natural" male and female roles.
Under the GOP administration, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been implementing policies to remove openly transgender troops from the military and end gender-affirming care. This follows a Supreme Court decision that allowed a ban on transgender service members. Hegseth has also voiced criticism of diversity initiatives and what he terms "gender delusion" within the armed forces. Turning Point USA held a major conference in Phoenix to honor Kirk's legacy following his death.
Johnson posted on X, labeling transgenderism an "epidemic." He stated, "I called out - by name - the true evil, demonic force that took Charlie Kirk from us live on stage at AmericaFest. Transgenderism. The epidemic of transgender violence is running rampant in our country. Transgenderism is a lie. God made male and female. God did not make you in the wrong body. God does not make mistakes. Charlie’s final words warned of this threat. The very ideology that claimed his life. His death exposed the danger. His legacy demands we confront it. Openly, unapologetically, without fear. Thank God the Trump administration is doing just that."
The man accused of killing Kirk, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was reportedly in a romantic relationship with a transgender partner, Utah officials confirmed at the time. However, authorities have stated there is no evidence yet to suggest this was the motive for the attack. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and other offenses. He has not publicly explained his actions and is not cooperating with investigators.
Utah governor Spencer Cox clarified that Robinson's partner is male and transitioning to female. Cox also noted that this individual has been "very cooperative" with authorities and had no prior knowledge of the shooting.
Charlie Kirk was known as an outspoken activist who advocated for traditional views on family and gender roles. An evangelical Christian, he did not support transgender policies and frequently criticized LGBTQ+ communities at various events. Kirk maintained a firm stance that third-gender roles undermine "natural" male and female roles.
Under the GOP administration, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been implementing policies to remove openly transgender troops from the military and end gender-affirming care. This follows a Supreme Court decision that allowed a ban on transgender service members. Hegseth has also voiced criticism of diversity initiatives and what he terms "gender delusion" within the armed forces. Turning Point USA held a major conference in Phoenix to honor Kirk's legacy following his death.