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Who Charlie Kirk’s Killer Wasn’t

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — It wasn’t someone from “the radical left.” It wasn’t an “illegal immigrant,” and it wasn’t a person of color.

Published

2 months ago

September 12, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

It wasn’t someone from “the radical left.” It wasn’t an “illegal immigrant,” and it wasn’t a person of color. The suspect in the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk is 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a white Salt Lake City man whose father, according to reports, is a law enforcement officer who helped convince his son to surrender.

The Arrest and Evidence

Federal investigators and Utah officials released images and videos of the person believed responsible. The suspect appeared wearing a hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeved black shirt, and a backpack. Investigators also recovered a Mauser .30-caliber bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel in nearby woods. A spent cartridge was still in the chamber, with three more rounds loaded in the magazine. The weapon and ammunition are now undergoing forensic analysis at a federal lab.

Bullet casings discovered at the scene carried cryptic and mocking engravings. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said the fired casing read: “notices bulges OWO what’s this?” while three unfired casings bore the messages, “hey fascist! catch!” alongside arrow symbols, “oh bella ciao bella ciao bella ciao ciao ciao,” and “if you read this you are gay lmao.” Cox said Robinson is believed to have acted alone but described the killing as “an attack on the American experiment.”

Security Questions

The assassination has ramped up concerns over vulnerabilities in political event security. Experts interviewed by the Associated Press said the shooting was an example of how ordinary precautions can be bypassed in an era of escalating political violence. They questioned whether Kirk’s campus event had sufficient staffing but noted the limitations of university police forces and open-air venues.

Kirk’s Views and Polarization

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was on a college debate tour when he was shot. He often dared students to “prove me wrong” in public debates and argued that when “people stop talking, that’s when you get violence.” But his career was defined by a stream of incendiary remarks about race, gender, immigration, and religion that drew fierce criticism and loyalty in equal measure. On race, Kirk said in January 2024, “If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, boy, I hope he’s qualified.” He asked in December 2022, “If you’re a WNBA, pot-smoking, Black lesbian, do you get treated better than a United States Marine?” And in May 2023, he declared, “Happening all the time in urban America, prowling Blacks go around for fun to go target white people, that’s a fact. It’s happening more and more.”

On gender and reproductive rights, Kirk said in August 2025, “Reject feminism. Submit to your husband, Taylor. You’re not in charge.” Asked about a 10-year-old victim of rape seeking an abortion, he answered, “The answer is yes, the baby would be delivered.” On his show in April 2024, he demanded “a Nuremberg-style trial for every gender-affirming clinic doctor.” On guns, Kirk defended firearm access even at the cost of lives. “I think it’s worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights,” he said at a Turning Point USA Faith event in April 2023.

On immigration, Kirk lamented that America is “less white,” saying in March 2024 that Democrats “love it when America becomes less white.” He promoted the “great replacement” conspiracy theory and, in August 2025, praised America’s early 20th-century decision to halt immigration for 40 years. On Islam, Kirk insisted, “Islam is the sword the left is using to slit the throat of America,” in a September 2025 social media post. And on religion, he repeatedly rejected the principle of church-state separation, calling it “a fabrication” on his show in July 2022.

A Nation on Edge

Almost immediately after Kirk’s assassination, several HBCUs received threats, fights broke out in city streets, politicians spewed more hate and tension by blaming the “radical left,” with at least a couple of MAGA congressmembers claiming that the Democrats must “own this,” while denying any culpability in the deaths of Democratic lawmakers earlier this year, the attempted kidnapping of Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and the continued tragedy of school shootings. However, Robinson has been identified as a white nationalist, with anti-minority views. Cox said Robinson had become “more political” but opposed Kirk’s views. “This was an attack on the American experiment,” Cox said, urging young people to “choose a different path.”

Stacy M. Brown

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Michael: The King of Pop’s Story Returns to the Big Screen

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The curtain has finally lifted on one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films. Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer and release date for “Michael,” the sweeping biopic about Michael Jackson that has been years in the making.

Published

5 days ago

November 6, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The curtain has finally lifted on one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films. Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer and release date for “Michael,” the sweeping biopic about Michael Jackson that has been years in the making. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film will arrive in theaters on April 24, 2026, with the singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stepping into the spotlight to portray his legendary uncle.

The trailer wastes no time rekindling the aura of Jackson’s genius. Opening with a studio scene between Jackson and his longtime producer Quincy Jones, played by Kendrick Sampson, the clip builds from a quiet, familiar rhythm to the electrifying pulse of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” Viewers catch glimpses of the singer’s childhood, flashes of “Thriller,” and the silhouette that redefined pop culture. Each frame reminds fans of why Jackson remains unmatched in artistry and influence. The cast surrounding the late pop king’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, reads like a who’s who of Black entertainment and music history. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Nia Long portrays Katherine Jackson, and Larenz Tate takes on the role of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Laura Harrier portrays music executive Suzanne de Passe, while Kat Graham embodies Diana Ross. Miles Teller plays attorney John Branca, a towering entertainment lawyer and longtime Jackson confidant who later became co-executor of his estate. The film’s journey to release has been as complicated as the icon it portrays. Production wrapped in 2024, but legal hurdles over depictions of past controversies forced extensive reshoots and editing delays. Even so, Fuqua’s film now appears ready to reclaim the narrative, focusing on Jackson’s creative ambition and humanity beyond tabloid noise. IndieWire reported that the film had faced “a massive legal snafu” over a disputed storyline but was retooled to center the music and legacy that defined generations.

Maven. Photo Credit: Glen Wilson

“Michael” promises more than a chronological retelling. It aims to explore how a child star from Gary, Indiana, became the world’s most influential entertainer. The script, written by Oscar-nominated John Logan, traces Jackson’s early years with the Jackson 5 through the triumphs and isolation of global superstardom. With Fuqua’s cinematic eye and producer Graham King—who brought “Bohemian Rhapsody” to life—joining forces with estate executors Branca and John McClain, the film is positioned as both a tribute and a restoration of Jackson’s cultural truth. Branca’s work behind the scenes has long shaped Jackson’s posthumous success. After the singer died in 2009, Branca and McClain took control of the estate burdened by debt and turned it into a global powerhouse worth billions. Under their stewardship, Jackson’s projects have generated more than $3 billion in worldwide ticket sales and landmark deals, including a $600 million joint venture with Sony earlier this year. At its heart, though, “Michael” is a story about artistry that transcends scandal. It offers a reminder that, despite the noise surrounding his life, Jackson’s music still bridges continents and generations. The trailer’s closing moments capture that spirit. As the beat of “Billie Jean” swells and Jaafar Jackson moonwalks into a spotlight, audiences are left with a familiar feeling—the awe of witnessing something timeless return home.

“Michael” opens worldwide in theaters April 24, 2026. See the official trailer here.

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Donald Trump Is the Biggest Loser

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The Trump Brand took a significant hit as it was swept up in the Democratic blue wave of the election last night.

Published

5 days ago

November 5, 2025

Oakland Post

By April Ryan

The Trump Brand took a significant hit as it was swept up in the Democratic blue wave of the election last night.

Chris Jones, Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (AR-02), says, “Last night was electric, and it was unquestionably a wave.” Democrats won big in what is widely considered a repudiation of Trump’s 9 months at the White House in his second term.

In the state of Virginia, which produced the first big election night win and saw the election of the first woman governor, Democrat Abigail Spanberger, 56% of Virginia’s residents disapprove of President Trump. In New Jersey, 55% of state residents disapprove of the president; in New York, 69% disapprove; and in California, 63% disapprove of the president. The Trump brand or his support for any candidates did nothing to benefit those he endorsed in this election. They actually lost in each race he publicly put his name behind. Trump endorsed former New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who lost the New York mayor’s race in his run as an independent. And New Jersey Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who ran for governor with the presidential endorsement, also lost his prospective race.

The next question is, will the democratic momentum be sustainable? Jones further explained, “This can become a 2026 tsunami, but turning a wave into a tsunami takes energy. A lot of energy. It doesn’t just happen. The conditions are there. Now we have to work!”

Some Democrats would argue that the work is already underway. The pushback against Trump’s national redistricting efforts received a thumb in the eye from California voters. Prop 50, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s counterbalance to President Trump’s redistricting efforts, passed in California last night. Although Trump’s name was not on the ballot last night, his Republican policies were. The United States has now entered the longest government shutdown in its history. Forty-two million Americans are not getting SNAP benefits. Economists are acknowledging that the government shutdown is contributing to the rise in delinquent debt in the student loan, automotive, and credit card industries. These items are among the negatives Americans are protesting against.

Compounding Trump’s political problems is a tariff battle that’s directly impacting pocketbooks. The day after the elections, the Trump administration was arguing before the US Supreme Court in favor of the president’s tariff powers. Meanwhile, President Trump‘s poll numbers are underwater, standing at a 37% national disapproval rate

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Historic Beatdown: Democrats Sweep Virginia as Speaker Don Scott and Jay Jones Make History

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — In a clear rejection of the policies of President Donald Trump, history repeated itself in Virginia.

Published

6 days ago

November 5, 2025

Oakland Post

By Lauren Burke

In a clear rejection of the policies of President Donald Trump, history repeated itself in Virginia. Democrats once again swept all three statewide offices as they did in 2017 during Trump’s first term. Abigail Spanberger easily won the office of Governor, and State Senator Ghazala Hashmi won her race over John Reid to be the next Lieutenant Governor. The victories occurred against the backdrop of a historic win in Virginia by Spanberger that will give Virginia its first woman Governor.

Spanberger’s widely predicted win over Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears was called 17 minutes after the polls closed in Virginia at 7 pm. Former Delegate Jay Jones won his race against incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares. His victory means Jones will be the first Black Attorney General in Virginia’s history. Jones’ win was particularly noteworthy since the last month of his campaign was consumed by the issue of private text messages from 2022 to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner. Republicans ran a non-stop barrage of negative ads against Jones for a month.

Del. Coyner lost her bid for re-election to Delegate-elect Lindsey Dougherty. The Dougherty race was the number one target for House Speaker Don Scott and his campaign lieutenant, Delegate Dan Helmer. Coyner’s defeat was one of at least 13 victories for Democrats who have now added to their ranks in the Virginia House to historic margins. When the Virginia General Assembly returns to session in January, there will be at least 64 Democrats in the chamber. The widespread Republican defeat is a testament to a combination of historic fundraising, Democrats running in all 100 seats, dislike of President Trump’s policies, and an ineffective top of the ticket featuring Lt. Gov. Earle Sears.

+13: Speaker Scott and Del. Helmer Hit Historic Numbers in Fundraising and Power

As the evening ended, a glaring historic fact became clearer: The Virginia House of Delegates will expand to a historic number. The change means the largest Democratic House chamber in the modern era. There were several notable wins by Democrats running for the Virginia House. They include Virgil Thornton, Lilly Franklin, and Kim Pope Adams. Speaker Don Scott and his campaign chair, Dan Helmer, undertook a record fundraising effort never before seen in Virginia’s history. The moment of success for Virginia Democrats will be viewed as a positive signal for Democrats moving into the 2026 elections.