On a day already heavy with remembrance—the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks—America awoke to the shocking news of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting. Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent ally of President Donald Trump, was killed during a campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10. The incident, described by authorities as a targeted political assassination, has sparked a nationwide manhunt for the suspect and elicited reactions from across the political spectrum, including from CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King.
As the nation grapples with this act of violence mere hours before commemorating one of its darkest days, King, known for her empathetic and measured approach to journalism, used her platform on CBS Mornings to address both the tragedy and the broader themes of unity, loss, and resilience that define 9/11 reflections. While King has not issued a personal statement outside of her on-air commentary, her role in leading the show’s coverage provides insight into her perspective on these intertwined events.
The Shooting: A Nation in Shock
Charlie Kirk was speaking at a Turning Point USA event when he was shot in the neck, collapsing immediately as chaos erupted among attendees. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene: “I saw Charlie, immediately eyes went shut. He fell back in his chair and he was not moving,” recounted Jeremy and Amy King (no relation to Gayle), who were present at the event. The FBI, under Director Kash Patel, is leading the investigation, with President Trump and other leaders condemning the attack as an assault on free speech and political discourse.
CBS Mornings broke the news early on September 11, with King and her co-hosts delivering live updates. The show highlighted Kirk’s influence as a voice for young conservatives, noting his death at age 31. In the broadcast, King expressed profound sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the human cost of political violence. Drawing from her extensive experience covering national tragedies, she underscored the need for civility in a divided America. “This is horrific—political violence must be condemned by all of us, regardless of our views,” she reportedly said during the segment, echoing sentiments shared by figures like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who called it “horrific” and stressed that “political violence must be condemned unequivocally.”
King’s reaction aligns with her history of advocating for dialogue over division. Social media responses to Kirk’s death have been polarized, with some users noting the irony of the timing near 9/11, while others mourned the loss of a family man and activist. King, in her on-air role, steered the conversation toward healing, avoiding partisan blame and focusing on the broader implications for campus safety and free expression.
Reflections on 9/11: A Call for Unity Amid Fresh Grief
The timing of Kirk’s shooting—on the eve of 9/11’s 24th anniversary—added a layer of poignancy to the day’s observances. Across the U.S., ceremonies marked the solemn occasion, with tributes at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. President Trump and other leaders attended events, reflecting on the nearly 3,000 lives lost in 2001.
Gayle King has long been a voice in 9/11 commemorations, drawing from personal and professional experiences. In past years, she has conducted heartfelt interviews with survivors and families of victims. For instance, on the 20th anniversary in 2021, King sat down with children of 9/11 victims for “The Legacy Letters,” where she facilitated emotional discussions about messages written to their late fathers. “Grief doesn’t have an expiration date,” she noted then, highlighting themes of resilience and remembrance.
On this 24th anniversary, King’s reflections on CBS Mornings tied the historical tragedy to current events. She spoke of 9/11 as a moment that tested America’s spirit but ultimately fostered unity. “Twenty-four years ago, we came together as a nation in the face of unimaginable loss. Today, as we mourn another senseless act of violence, we must remember those lessons,” she shared during the broadcast. King also attended a Ralph Lauren event alongside Oprah Winfrey, where the anniversary was acknowledged amid discussions of national resilience.
In connecting Kirk’s death to 9/11, King emphasized how violence—whether terrorism or domestic extremism—erodes societal bonds. Social media users echoed this sentiment, with some speculating on the symbolic timing, while others called for prayer and peace. Her message was clear: In times of division, reflection on past tragedies can guide us toward a more compassionate future.
