Trevor Noah has drawn sharp criticism after making light of the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a stand-up performance. Kirk was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. During his set, Noah questioned why comedians were advised against commenting on the incident, stating, “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 centered on the irony of Kirk being killed while advocating for gun rights. “The guy was shot while defending guns… As a human, you have to admit that is an incongruous, funny thing that happens,” he said, inaccurately suggesting Kirk had been promoting firearms at the time. In reality, Kirk had been discussing transgender mass shooters when he was murdered.
The comedian defended his comments by comparing the backlash to historical jokes about Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, framing himself as a “martyr for comedy.” However, critics highlighted Noah’s recent praise for Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival, where he lauded the regime despite its strict blasphemy laws.
Other figures, including Jimmy Kimmel, also faced scrutiny for mischaracterizing Kirk’s assassin as affiliated with the MAGA movement. Meanwhile, Education Secretary Linda McMahon called for universities to penalize faculty who expressed support for 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 documenting these posts emerged, leading to disciplinary actions against some offenders.
