Gutfeld strongly rejected Tarlov’s attempt to frame the killing as part of “both sides” political violence, arguing that Kirk’s assassination was a result of left-wing extremism. He dismissed comparisons to other political killings, such as that of Democratic politician Melissa Hortman, as “bulls—t” and “dead arguments.” Gutfeld emphasized that Kirk was a prominent public figure, unlike Hortman, and that the circumstances of their deaths were not comparable.

Tarlov, while condemning the murder, suggested that political violence is not exclusive to one side, citing Hortman’s death as an example. She clarified that she was not downplaying Kirk’s assassination but was advocating for a broader perspective on political violence.

The incident has intensified debates around the root causes and perpetrators of political violence, with some public figures attributing the attack to left-wing extremism. However, law enforcement officials have not officially confirmed a motive tied to left-wing ideology.