Stephen Miller Promises Federal Action in Response to Charlie Kirk’s Death

The White House response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk has intensified, as Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller assured an all-out government effort to locate and dismantle what he referred to as domestic terrorist networks. In an episode of a podcast hosted by Vice President JD Vance on Kirk’s own program, Miller stated that the federal government would use every available tool to “identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy” any left-wing groups he believes are involved in political violence. “It will happen and we will do it in Charlie’s name,” said Miller.

Vance Points to the Left and Calls for Accountability

Vance, who credited Kirk for his rise to the vice presidency, agreed with Miller’s assertions and characterized the killing as part of the larger question of political radicalization. He urged supporters to publicly confront and shame people who celebrate his death, and to consider reaching out to their employers. He claimed that liberal-leaning people generally accept political violence to a greater extent than conservative-leaning people, citing a new YouGov survey that found 24% of self-identified “very liberal” respondents said it was okay to be happy about the killing of a political opponent; while only 3% of “very conservative” respondents said the same.

More than a quarter of respondents in that survey – liberals from ages 18 to 44 – stated that political violence could sometimes be justified. While some authors disagree with the legitimacy of poll data, Vance dismissed this doubt saying, “This is not a both sides problem… one side has a bigger, and more malignant problem.”

He proceeded to criticize The Nation magazine, which had not only attacked Kirk after his death, but also falsely implicated George Soros. A spokesperson for The Nation stated they had not taken money from Soros or the Open Society Foundations, that the article had been clarified but not retracted. The Open Society Foundations also issued a statement condemning Kirk’s murder, and saying, “We condemn the politicization of this tragedy.”

Aftermath, and a Pledge to Continue Kirk’s Work

Tyler Robinson, age 22, has been charged with aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and several other felonies related to the shooting in Utah. FBI Director Kash Patel, in an interview with Fox News separately, commented that Robinson’s actions appeared politically motivated and premeditated in nature.

Vance stated intimidation tactics that had allegedly been used against a White House official who was close to Kirk, such as leaflets being distributed around his neighborhood. He added that this speaks to further issues about how some far-left activists operate. “Are these people violent? I hope not,” he stated. “But, are they guilty of encouraging violence? You damn well better believe it.”

Other distinguished names joined the podcast to honor Kirk, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Tucker Carlson. They all reiterated Kirk’s importance to the modern conservative movement. Kaelan Dorr, Deputy White House Communications Director, framed the way forward to be entrepreneurial. “He would probably want you to go find five people that day who do not believe in Jesus and give them a lecture,” Dorr stated.

Although he was speaking passionately, Vance extended an olive branch to Democrats who denounced the killing. “You have no idea how desperately I want unity,” he stated. “I’m very thankful for the Democratic friends who reached out.”

Near the end of the broadcast, Vance encouraged listeners to either join, or create a local group of Turning Point USA. “That’s the best way to honor Charlie’s legacy,” he stated. “Shine the light of truth like a torch in the very darkest places.”