Sep 15, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Stephen Miller blames "terrorist networks" for Kirk's death, stoking MAGA outrage

April Rubin

Charlie Kirk holds red MAGA hats in one hand while throwing them to a crowd with the other. Behind him, a tent reads "American Comeback" and "prove me wrong." — Charlie Kirk throws hats to the crowd after arriving at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 in Orem, Utah. Photo: Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images

Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, on Monday blamed "terrorist networks" for Charlie Kirk's killing, despite law enforcement saying the suspected shooter acted alone.

Why it matters: Members of the MAGA movement began demanding retribution and calling for "war" with Democrats even before police had arrested a suspect or identified a motive. President Trump has stoked that furor.

The White House will use the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to "identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy" the alleged networks, Miller said to Vice President JD Vance, who hosted Monday's episode of "The Charlie Kirk Show."

Context: Police said the suspect, Tyler Robinson, acted alone.

As of Friday, police said they had no information that would lead to additional arrests. FBI director Kash Patel was criticized after the shooting for his handling of the investigation, including incorrectly announcing that a suspect was in custody.
Less than 24 hours after the shooting, Miller blamed "an ideology at war with family and nature" for Kirk's death.
"We see the workings of this ideology in every posting online cheering the evil assassination that cruelly robbed this nation of one of its greatest men," Miller wrote on X on Thursday.

Reality check: Leading Democrats, including California. Gov. Gavin Newsom — who hosted Kirk on his podcast — and former President Obama immediately condemned the shooting and said violence has no role in America's politics.

State of play: Trump on Sunday warned that left-leaning groups will be investigated after Kirk's death.

Trump has condemned political violence without mentioning attacks on Democrats.

Zoom out: In addition to Miller, Vance spoke with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy called Kirk his "spiritual soulmate."

Go deeper: JD Vance mourns his "true friend" Charlie Kirk

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Stephen Miller blames "terrorist networks" for Kirk's death, stoking MAGA outrage

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