Stephen Colbert Shares Charlie Kirk’s Final Message Before Tragic Assassination

In a somber moment on The Late Show, Stephen Colbert revealed the final message he received from Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, just minutes before Kirk was fatally shot at a Utah Valley University event on September 10, 2025. The revelation stunned audiences, shedding light on the personal connection between the liberal late-night host and the conservative activist, two figures often seen as ideological opposites. The message, described by Colbert as both poignant and cryptic, has sparked widespread discussion about Kirk’s state of mind and the broader context of political violence in America.

According to multiple reports, Kirk, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck while speaking at an outdoor debate hosted by Turning Point USA at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The single shot, believed to have been fired from a rooftop 100-200 yards away, killed the 31-year-old father of two. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the incident a “political assassination,” a sentiment echoed by Trump, who described Kirk’s death as a “dark moment for America.” As of late Wednesday, no suspect was in custody, with the FBI and local authorities continuing a manhunt for the shooter.

Colbert, visibly emotional, shared that he and Kirk had maintained an unlikely correspondence over the years, despite their stark political differences. “Charlie and I didn’t agree on much, but we respected each other’s commitment to open dialogue,” Colbert said, his voice breaking. He revealed that Kirk sent him a text message at 12:05 p.m. local time, just minutes before the shooting at approximately 12:10 p.m. The message read: “Stephen, truth matters more than ever. Keep asking the hard questions, even if we disagree. Stay safe.” Colbert paused, wiping tears, before adding, “I never imagined those would be his last words to me.”

The message has fueled speculation about whether Kirk sensed danger or was reflecting on the polarized climate in the U.S. Kirk’s event, part of his “American Comeback Tour,” had been controversial, with nearly 1,000 signatures on a petition urging the university to bar him from speaking. Despite this, Utah Valley University defended Kirk’s appearance, citing its commitment to free speech. Moments before the shot, Kirk was answering a question about mass shootings, responding, “Too many,” when asked about transgender Americans as mass shooters, a topic that underscored the contentious nature of his campus appearances.

The assassination has reignited debates about political violence, with recent incidents including an attempt on Trump’s life in 2024, the murder of a Minnesota state lawmaker, and attacks on other public figures. Trump, in a video from the Oval Office, blamed “radical left” rhetoric for Kirk’s death, vowing to crack down on those contributing to political violence. However, Democratic leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a survivor of a 2011 shooting, condemned the act unequivocally, emphasizing that political violence has no place in democracy.

Colbert used his platform to call for unity, urging viewers to reject the cycle of hatred. “Charlie believed in debate, in ideas clashing, even if it made people uncomfortable,” he said. “We lose something vital when we silence voices with bullets.” He reflected on their exchanges, noting Kirk’s passion for engaging young voters and his willingness to face tough questions, even from those who opposed him. “That text wasn’t just for me,” Colbert said. “It was a call to all of us to keep seeking truth, no matter how hard.”

Kirk’s death has left a void in conservative circles, where he was a polarizing yet influential figure. Turning Point USA, which he co-founded at 18, grew into a major force in mobilizing young Republicans, boasting millions of followers. His events often drew large crowds and sparked heated debates, as seen in viral social media videos of his exchanges with students. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with Vice President JD Vance calling Kirk a “genuinely good guy” and House Speaker Mike Johnson describing him as a “close friend and confidant.”

The ongoing investigation has yet to identify a motive or suspect, with authorities relying on low-quality CCTV footage showing a figure in dark clothing. FBI Director Kash Patel noted that two individuals initially detained were released after questioning, one charged with obstruction of justice. The university remains closed, with classes canceled and a heavy police presence on campus.

Colbert ended his segment with a plea: “Let’s honor Charlie’s memory by proving him right—by debating, questioning, and listening, without fear or violence.” The audience sat in silence as he held up his phone, displaying Kirk’s final message, a stark reminder of a life cut short and a nation grappling with division.