Joe Rogan has denounced self-identified progressives who celebrated the public assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, calling their behavior “evil” and deeply disturbing. Speaking on his podcast, Rogan said he was shocked to see ordinary Americans—“teachers, bank workers, housewives”—cheering the murder of someone simply for holding opposing views. He warned that this kind of reaction reflects a disturbing societal shift.
Rogan stated he didn’t always agree with Kirk’s politics but emphasized that celebrating his death crosses a moral boundary no civilized society should tolerate. “You don’t have to agree with him,” Rogan said, “but you’re cheering a public execution?” He added that such reactions reveal how political hatred is dehumanizing opponents to the point of justifying violence.
The assassination of Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and frequent target of left-wing activists, has ignited broader conversations about rising political tensions in the U.S. While many conservative leaders have mourned Kirk’s death, reaction from the progressive left has included not only silence, but in some cases, overt approval.
Rogan’s remarks cut across political lines, calling for basic decency and accountability. He warned that political polarization is creating a culture where violence is no longer universally condemned. “This is a scary line to cross,” Rogan said. “And a lot of people just crossed it.”
His comments have drawn support from conservatives and free speech advocates who argue that the progressive left is increasingly embracing extremist rhetoric. Critics say this kind of response to political violence shows how far some corners of the left have strayed from civil discourse.
