The ladies of The View have been radicals for years. But now they are turning heads.
Because The View shocked all Americans with their comments on Charlie Kirk’s death.
The View Panelists Condemn Charlie Kirk’s Assassination with Calls for Unity
The hosts of ABC’s The View addressed the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot the previous day at Utah Valley University during a Turning Point USA event.
Departing from their often polarized commentary, the panelists delivered a somber and unified condemnation of the violence, emphasizing the need for civil discourse and the protection of free speech across political divides. Their remarks, aired during a Thursday episode, reflected a rare moment of introspection, focusing on the broader implications of political violence rather than partisan disagreements.
Whoopi Goldberg opened the discussion, describing Kirk’s death as “beyond devastating” and extending condolences to his family. She highlighted bipartisan calls to reject violence, stating, “Isn’t a fundamental part of being an American that we’re able to express our opinions to each other without fear and this kind of horror happening?”
Goldberg noted the rising trend of political violence, citing attacks on figures like President Donald Trump, Paul Pelosi, and a Minnesota couple, and urged viewers to reject such acts as antithetical to American values.
Panelists’ Reflections
Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Trump administration official, praised Kirk as an “incredibly influential young activist on the Right,” noting his impact on young Republicans who felt isolated on college campuses.
She called for viewing political opponents as “fellow Americans with different viewpoints” rather than enemies, stressing the importance of engaging in dialogue.
Sara Haines echoed this sentiment, highlighting the irony of Kirk’s death while he was advocating for open debate: “He’d talk to people openly, who disagreed. So the irony of being violently k*lled while saying those words of what we need more of in this country, I know all of us agree on that part.”
Sunny Hostin championed the sanctity of free speech, stating, “I can’t believe that someone would k*ll another person because they were speaking their beliefs. This is antithetical to who we are as Americans. The First Amendment is the First Amendment for a reason.” Goldberg concluded the segment by urging resilience, particularly among young conservatives, saying, “I hope that young Republicans never forget that they have voice. We all have voices. We should never ever be afraid.” She noted the ongoing manhunt for Kirk’s k*ller, with the FBI offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Significance and Public Response
The discussion came amid heightened national concern over political violence, following incidents like two 2024 assassination attempts on Trump, the June 2025 m*rder of Minnesota’s Democratic House speaker, and a firebombing at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence.
The panelists’ unified stance against violence and their call for de-escalation resonated with viewers seeking bipartisan condemnation of such acts. However, some critics on social media noted that The View has historically leaned left, suggesting the restraint shown may reflect the gravity of the moment rather than a shift in the show’s tone.
Supporters, including conservative commentators, praised the hosts for acknowledging Kirk’s influence and advocating for dialogue over division.
Kirk’s assassination, labeled a “political assassination” by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, has intensified debates about the safety of public figures and the role of inflammatory rhetoric.
The View panelists’ remarks aligned with statements from leaders like former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, who condemned the k*lling and called for unity. As the investigation continues, with no suspect yet in custody, the episode highlighted the urgent need to protect free expression while confronting the rising threat of political violence in the U.S.