Overview

• In a New York Times interview, Penn said he disagreed with almost everything Charlie Kirk believed yet argued the country needs voices like Kirk to sustain open discussion.
• He described the shooting as feeling different from other recent political attacks and stressed the importance of preserving space for debate.
• Penn urged recognizing deeply held opposing views as valid opinions, citing abortion as an example to illustrate tolerance for conflicting beliefs.
• Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
• Police have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the killing as investigations continue.