Overview

• Jones released a direct message Kirk sent on Sept. 9 inviting him onto his show for a courteous discussion about crime and race.
• The outreach followed their public clash over the killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska and whether race motivated that crime.
• Jones says he was facing a torrent of racist death threats during the dispute and viewed the message as an appeal to lower the temperature.
• He did not respond before Kirk was shot on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University, and he publicly condemned the attack that day.
• Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson on aggravated-murder charges, prosecutors have signaled intent to seek the death penalty, and investigators caution that motive remains under review.