Fox News host Greg Gutfeld delivered a raw and emotional tribute to Charlie Kirk on Tuesday night, reacting to the assassination of the Turning Point USA founder with an on-air outburst that underscored the gravity of the moment for conservatives across the country.
Speaking during The Five, Gutfeld, who had known Kirk personally for more than a decade, dropped an expletive while reflecting on Kirk’s life, his impact on the conservative movement, and the shockwaves caused by his killing.
“I’ve known him for probably 10 years. I mean, it’s hard to gather your thoughts beyond just horror,” Gutfeld said.
“So instead, I mean, Charlie was such a force of nature. He was brilliant, and he was funny, but what scared people was his persuasiveness. The only way to take him down because he could persuade you so strongly was to kill him. The shock and despair that we are I mean, we, as in shared by everyone at home and around this table and in this building, it’s a testament to the impact of Charlie’s friendship and his bravery and his character. It’s so deep a wound that we all feel.”
Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and became one of the most recognizable figures in the conservative youth movement, was fatally shot this week, prompting an outpouring of reactions from political leaders, media figures, and grassroots activists.
Gutfeld told viewers that Kirk’s death was not only a personal loss for him but also a turning point for the movement Kirk built.
“It’s because it feels like he’s one of us. He’s part of us because he was such a genuinely a patriot and a great person,” Gutfeld said.
“So how do you work through this stuff? It’s not about him or me. It’s us, the viewers. You are us. What do we do? Well, you still do what you always do, but you do more of it. You stand up, you speak up, and you share the risk. Right now, you are becoiling, but you have to come back and return stronger, more fortified, and more resilient.”
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Gutfeld described Kirk’s legacy as a source of renewed strength for conservatives.
“What is ironic, fittingly, I guess, is that this is a turning point. If you believe in Charlie, you got to believe in yourself because he believed in you. This isn’t over. This is the beginning. Charlie’s power just got released in all of us. He’s going to be bigger now than he ever was in this chaotic planet. He made us all bigger. I think that if you’re at home and you’re feeling bad, don’t just get through it and remember that he would want you to get stronger and not back down.”
The tribute turned fiery when Gutfeld addressed those who he said believe they can silence political opponents through violence.
“Yeah, I know that it’s somewhat an object of mockery to say thoughts and prayers, but thoughts and prayers for his family. They need it from all of us. And Jesse’s right. If they could do this, they are capable of anything. I think that was the message. I believe that was the message. It’s really hard to radicalize Republicans. We’re not the radical type. But if you thought that you were going to shut a movement you’re going to get a rude awakening. You woke us the f**k up.”
Greg Gutfeld just WENT OFF about Charlie Kirk being shot, even dropped an F-bomb live on Fox
“If you thought that you were going to shut a movement down, you’re going to get a rude awakening.
You woke us the F*CK UP.” — @greggutfeld pic.twitter.com/fMY7wSadRE
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 10, 2025
Kirk’s assassination has sparked tributes from across the political spectrum, though his strongest support has come from the conservative base he energized.
As his allies, colleagues, and friends continue to react, Gutfeld’s tribute served as a reminder of the personal relationships and deep loyalty Kirk cultivated over his career.
The investigation into the circumstances of Kirk’s killing remains ongoing.