Charlie Kirk and the rise of political violence in the US

Charlie Kirk and the rise of political violence in the US

Author: The Times September 12, 2025 Duration: 29:24

A sunny afternoon at Utah Valley University suddenly became a scene of terror when the right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a campus event on Wednesday, 10 September. His death was quickly described as an “assassination” by President Trump, and it is the latest in a worrying spate of politically-motivated attacks in the US. So what’s behind this trend? Is political violence becoming normalised? 


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: Katy Balls, Washington Editor and Columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times. 

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producer: Shabnam Grewal and Micaela Arneson.

Read more:

Search for Utah Valley University shooter after two suspects released

Who was Charlie Kirk? TikTok wizard who conjured up Trump youth vote

Clips: New York Post, Republic TV, CNN, KTLA 5, Fox News, Charlie Kirk via Instagram, President Trump via Truth Social  

Photo: Getty Images

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com     


This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
INVESTIGATION: The 9/11 suspect - part 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:13
In the years since Omar al-Bayoumi was released by British police, new evidence has come to light which was not shared with the officers carrying out his interrogation. Today, he stands accused of being a Saudi agent who…
INVESTIGATION: The 9/11 suspect - part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:51
On September 21, 2001, Omar al-Bayoumi was arrested in Birmingham on suspicion of the preparation, instigation or commission of acts of terrorism. Police would have seven days before they would need to charge, extradite,…
INVESTIGATION: The 9/11 suspect - part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:09
Was there another man involved in plotting the 9/11 terrorist attacks that killed thousands in 2001? And why did British police, acting on the instructions of American law enforcement, let him go?This is part one of a th…
The Story presents: Planet Hope - the penguin guardian of Patagonia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:34
This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times in paid partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative. Each episode is hosted by The Story released as a bonus weekly series on Saturdays. F…
How Israel exploded hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
As people continue to starve in Gaza, the war once again spread beyond its borders this week when Israel bombed Hamas fighters in Qatar - a country that’s involved in the peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Israel’s President…
Have we stopped caring about climate change? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:26
Exclusive research for The Times reveals a huge increase in the number of people who believe the dangers of climate change have been exaggerated. Why is this happening and what does it mean for our future - and that of o…
What next for Labour after Angela Rayner's resignation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:33
Last Friday, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner resigned after a report said she broke the ministerial code by not paying enough stamp duty on her second home. But how serious is this latest loss for Labour, who could r…
Why is France in chaos again? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:35
As French Prime Minister François Bayrou faces a motion of no confidence in the National Assembly, a grassroots protest movement is gathering steam with its rallying cry to "Block everything" on September 10. Organisers…
London’s teenage saint - the Sunday Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:19
15-year-old Carlo Acutis will become the first millennial saint today, after the Catholic Church posthumously attributed two miracles to him. So who was this extraordinary boy and how does the church 'fact' check a mirac…