Overview
- An NBC News survey of 1,000 registered voters found 61% say extreme political rhetoric was an important contributor to Kirk’s killing.
- Majorities in each party agreed: 73% of Republicans, 54% of Democrats and 53% of independents pointed to rhetoric over a lone disturbed actor.
- The poll is NBC’s first in 15 years of tracking major political attacks to show cross‑partisan agreement that rhetoric played a significant role.
- Suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder and other counts; prosecutors cite texts saying he “had enough of his hatred” and allege engraved phrases on bullet casings.
- Investigators report no evidence linking Robinson to organized left‑wing groups as national figures, including President Trump’s aides, fault left‑wing extremism; the next court hearing is set for Jan. 16, 2026, with the death penalty sought.