Author Stephen King and Republican senator Ted Cruz clashed online after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk , who was shot dead on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The row began after Fox News host Jesse Watters described Kirk as a patriot on X. “Charlie Kirk was not a ‘controversial’ or ‘polarising’ man. Charlie was a patriot. This is a turning point and we all need to turn in the right direction. Rest in peace, my friend,” Watters wrote.
King responded, “He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’…”
His comment drew a furious reply from Cruz, who accused King of lying. “You are a horrible, evil, twisted liar. No, he did not,” Cruz wrote. “Your party—which you shamelessly shilled for—sent $100 billion to the Ayatollah… who does routinely murder homosexuals. Why are you so dishonest and filled with hate?”
Known for his strong online presence and sharp right-wing views, Kirk often stirred controversy with remarks on abortion, religion, race, and LGBTQ rights. His resurfaced videos are fuelling debates.
A few months ago, he said, "It's worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the second amendment," as quoted by BBC.
Soon after his killing, Democrats questioned why killings of less prominent people did not get the same attention.
Meanwhile, tributes poured in from US president Donald Trump and vice president JD Vance. Trump announced Kirk would be posthumously honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award. Vance, a close ally, carried Kirk’s coffin for the funeral.
The row began after Fox News host Jesse Watters described Kirk as a patriot on X. “Charlie Kirk was not a ‘controversial’ or ‘polarising’ man. Charlie was a patriot. This is a turning point and we all need to turn in the right direction. Rest in peace, my friend,” Watters wrote.
King responded, “He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’…”
His comment drew a furious reply from Cruz, who accused King of lying. “You are a horrible, evil, twisted liar. No, he did not,” Cruz wrote. “Your party—which you shamelessly shilled for—sent $100 billion to the Ayatollah… who does routinely murder homosexuals. Why are you so dishonest and filled with hate?”
You are a horrible, evil, twisted liar.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 12, 2025
No, he did not.
Your party—which you shamelessly shilled for—sent $100 billion to the Ayatollah… who does routinely murder homosexuals.
Why are you so dishonest & filled with hate? https://t.co/slxhbWBbQ0
Known for his strong online presence and sharp right-wing views, Kirk often stirred controversy with remarks on abortion, religion, race, and LGBTQ rights. His resurfaced videos are fuelling debates.
A few months ago, he said, "It's worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the second amendment," as quoted by BBC.
Soon after his killing, Democrats questioned why killings of less prominent people did not get the same attention.
Meanwhile, tributes poured in from US president Donald Trump and vice president JD Vance. Trump announced Kirk would be posthumously honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award. Vance, a close ally, carried Kirk’s coffin for the funeral.
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