The Assassinations of Charlie Kirk and Iryna Zarutska

ANGLO AMERICA, 15 Sep 2025

Diran Noubar – TRANSCEND Media Service

A Warning of Impending Civil Unrest in the USA

14 Sep 2025 – In the span of just a few days, America has lost two individuals whose lives embodied the promise and peril of this nation’s ideals. On September 10, 2025, conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, leaving behind a legacy of empowering young conservatives and a grieving family.

Just days earlier, on September 8, 2025, 23-year-old Ukrainian immigrant Iryna Zarutska was brutally stabbed to death on a Charlotte light rail train in North Carolina, her final moments captured in a harrowing video that has shaken the world to its core.

These separate but symbolically linked tragedies have ignited a firestorm of grief and outrage, particularly among conservatives who see them as emblematic of broader threats to safety, free speech, and traditional values. While the perpetrators and motives differ—Kirk’s shooter remains under investigation amid speculation of political motives, and Zarutska’s assailant faces federal charges in what appears to be a random act of violence amplified by systemic failures—their deaths risk escalating into something far more dangerous: a conservative-led movement mirroring the tactics of Black Lives Matter (BLM), but centered on white and conservative victims. Such a development could push the United States perilously close to civil war, as polarization deepens and peaceful discourse gives way to confrontation.

It’s essential to recognize these losses not just as isolated crimes, but as assaults on the very fabric of American conservatism—a movement that has long championed law and order, individual liberty, and opportunity for all. Yet fairness demands we approach this with balance: while conservatives have every right to demand justice and protection, emulating the more disruptive elements of past protests could invite chaos that harms everyone.

Charlie Kirk: A Pioneer of Conservative Youth Empowerment

Charlie Kirk’s journey from a teenage activist to a powerhouse in conservative politics was nothing short of remarkable. Born in 1993, Kirk skipped college to launch Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012 at the age of 18, transforming it into one of the largest conservative youth organizations in the country.  TPUSA focused on mobilizing college students against what Kirk saw as liberal indoctrination on campuses, promoting free markets, limited government, and traditional values through campus chapters, events, and voter registration drives. His efforts were instrumental in recruiting young Americans to the GOP, boosting voter rolls and energizing a demographic often overlooked by Republicans.

Kirk’s achievements extended far beyond organizing. He co-founded Students for Trump, authored books like The MAGA Doctrine: The Only Ideas That Will Win the Future, and hosted a popular podcast and radio show that reached millions, making him a key media personality in the conservative ecosystem.  A devout Christian, Kirk often wove faith into his advocacy, speaking boldly about God to young audiences at a time when secularism dominated cultural conversations. His work helped build support for President Donald Trump, positioning him as a trusted ally and culture warrior who challenged progressive policies on issues like DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives and campus free speech.  At 31, Kirk left behind a wife, two young children, and a movement forever changed by his vision. His murder isn’t just a personal tragedy; it’s a blow to the conservative cause, silencing a voice that inspired countless young people to engage in politics.

Iryna Zarutska: A Symbol of Hope and Heartbreak for Immigrants Fleeing Conflict

Iryna Zarutska’s story is one of resilience amid unimaginable hardship. Born in Ukraine around 2002, Zarutska fled her homeland in early 2022 to escape the escalating conflict that displaced millions. Like many, she sought safety and opportunity in the United States, arriving in North Carolina where she began rebuilding her life.  Details of her early life remain sparse due to the chaos of war, but reports indicate she came from a modest background, possibly in eastern Ukraine, and had dreams of pursuing education or work in a peaceful environment. She quickly adapted, learning English and integrating into her new community, embodying the immigrant spirit that has long strengthened America.

Tragically, Zarutska’s American dream was cut short on a routine train ride. The attack, captured on surveillance video, has become a focal point for debates on public safety, judicial failures, and immigration policies.  The suspect, with a history of prior offenses, has been charged federally, highlighting what conservatives argue are systemic lapses in law enforcement and border security that endanger both citizens and newcomers alike.  Zarutska’s death has been politicized, with figures like President Trump pointing to it as evidence of failed Democratic policies, though it’s crucial to note that the incident appears rooted in broader societal issues rather than targeted anti-immigrant animus.  Her story reminds us of the human cost of global instability and the need for secure, compassionate immigration systems.

The Unbearable Emotional Weight: A Glance That Shatters Hearts

Nothing has ever broken my heart as much as seeing this woman—Iryna Zarutska—glance at her murderer, knowing her death is coming in two seconds. The graphic video of her final moments, which spread rapidly online alongside footage from Kirk’s shooting, captures a raw vulnerability that transcends politics.  In that fleeting look, we see not just fear, but the quiet dignity of someone who had already survived so much only to meet an senseless end. This image symbolizes the fragility of life in an increasingly chaotic society, where innocent people like Zarutska and outspoken leaders like Kirk are vulnerable to violence. It’s a call to action, but one that must be tempered with restraint to avoid further heartbreak.

Analyzing the Risks: From Protest to Potential Civil War

These assassinations come at a time of heightened political tension, with experts warning that the U.S. is teetering on the edge of widespread unrest.  If conservatives, feeling besieged by what they perceive as anti-white and anti-conservative rhetoric, form a movement mirroring BLM—perhaps under banners like “White Lives Matter” or “Conservative Lives Matter”—the risks are profound and multifaceted.

First, escalation of polarization: BLM protests, while rooted in legitimate grievances over police brutality, sometimes devolved into riots and property damage, alienating moderates. A conservative counterpart could similarly fracture society, with “White Lives Matter” already labeled a hate group by organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center for its associations with white supremacism.  This could deepen ethnic and ideological divides, fostering “ethnic factionalism” that political scientists identify as a precursor to civil wars.  Conservatives might argue this is a defensive response to perceived “genocide” through immigration and cultural shifts, but it risks alienating allies and inviting accusations of racism, further isolating the movement.

Second, rise in political violence: Studies show that resentment among conservatives, fueled by racial threats, can normalize aggression.  If protests turn confrontational—blocking highways, occupying public spaces, or clashing with counter-demonstrators—the U.S. could see a surge in incidents like those post-2020, but on a bipartisan scale. Republicans have been noted as more aggressive in this “uncivil war,” but fairness requires acknowledging that both sides contribute to the toxicity.  Extremists prepping for conflict, stocking weapons and food, indicate a readiness for breakdown that could spiral into armed skirmishes.

Third, societal and institutional collapse: A second civil war wouldn’t resemble 1861’s battles but a fragmented insurgency with disrupted services, displacement, and economic ruin.  Critical institutions like elections could be undermined, leading to anocracy—a mix of democracy and autocracy ripe for violence.  Conservatives, historically advocates for stability, must weigh whether aggressive protests advance their cause or invite federal crackdowns that erode freedoms for all.

Fourth, long-term consequences: Even if full-scale war is avoided, normalized violence could desensitize the public, as seen with the rapid spread of graphic videos from these killings.  This erodes trust, making reconciliation impossible and paving the way for authoritarianism. From a conservative perspective, this movement could galvanize voters and expose hypocrisies in how protests are treated, but it risks associating mainstream conservatism with fringe elements like neo-Nazis, damaging electoral prospects.

In honoring Kirk and Zarutska, conservatives should channel their outrage into constructive channels—voter mobilization, policy advocacy, and community protection—rather than mirroring tactics that have divided them before. America stands at a crossroads: unity through justice, or division into chaos. The choice is theirs, but the stakes could not be higher.

_____________________________________________

Diran Noubar, an Italian-Armenian born in France, has lived in 11 countries until he moved to Armenia. He is a world-renowned, critically-acclaimed documentary filmmaker and war reporter. Starting in the early 2000’s in New York City, Diran produced and directed over 20 full-length documentary films. He is also a singer/songwriter and guitarist in his own band and runs a nonprofit charity organization, wearemenia.org.

This article originally appeared on Transcend Media Service (TMS) on 15 Sep 2025.

Anticopyright: Editorials and articles originated on TMS may be freely reprinted, disseminated, translated and used as background material, provided an acknowledgement and link to the source, TMS: The Assassinations of Charlie Kirk and Iryna Zarutska, is included. Thank you.

If you enjoyed this article, please donate to TMS to join the growing list of TMS Supporters.

Share this article: email mastodon facebook 🔗 copy link

This work is licensed under a CC BY-NC 4.0 License.

There are no comments so far.