Tensions erupted on Fox News’ The Five Monday night as Greg Gutfeld furiously clashed with his co-host Jessica Tarlov over the political fallout from Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The debate began when Gutfeld, 61, argued that Kirk’s killing was a clear example of left-wing violence, insisting that political assassinations of this scale don’t come from the right.
“Why is only this happening on the left and not the right? That’s all we need to know,” Gutfeld declared.
Tarlov, 41, pushed back, pointing out that Minnesota Democrat Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in June in what officials called a political assassination.
Gutfeld dismissed the comparison, saying Hortman was “not a household name” before her death. When Tarlov challenged him, “So she doesn’t matter?,” Gutfeld erupted.
“Oh, don’t play that bulls**t with me!” he snapped, his voice rising.
“Both Sides” Argument Sparks Showdown
The comedian continued his attack, saying the “both sides” framing doesn’t apply in this case.
“We don’t care about your both sides argument. That s**t is dead,” Gutfeld shot back. “On your side, your beliefs do not match reality so you’re coming up with rationalizations like ‘What about this, what about that?’”
He pointed to Kirk’s high profile compared to Hortman: “There was no demonization amplification about that woman before she died. This was a targeted killing of a young, bright man we all saw assassinated in real time.”
The exchange grew even more heated when Gutfeld shouted: “Let’s have a conversation? Charlie had a conversation and he got shot!” Tarlov put her head in her hands as the panel fell silent.
Moments later, Gutfeld softened, apologizing to his co-host but warning that Kirk’s murder was a turning point. “This thing is with us for good,” he said.
Political Blame Game
The fiery studio moment reflects the broader political finger-pointing erupting across the country. Utah Governor Spencer Cox has said suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, was “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.” However, the FBI has not confirmed Robinson’s political affiliation or motive.
President Donald Trump weighed in on Fox & Friends, blaming “radical left lunatics” for the assassination. “We have radical left lunatics out there and we just have to beat the hell out of them,” Trump said.
He added: “The radicals on the right oftentimes are radical because they don’t want to see crime. The radicals on the left are the problem, and they’re vicious and horrible and politically savvy.”
The Investigation
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck on September 10 while debating students at Utah Valley University. He died in hospital shortly after.
Authorities say Robinson fired a single round from a rooftop sniper’s nest before escaping by jumping off it, police said. He was arrested on Thursday when his father turned him in after a 33-hour manhunt.
Robinson remains uncooperative in jail, under special watch, and faces multiple felony charges. He is due in court Tuesday.