A viral TikTok video has drawn attention this week after a young college student, a self-described lifelong leftist, publicly reflected on his political beliefs in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The clip has sparked widespread discussion across social media, accumulating more than 107,000 likes and over 12,500 comments by Tuesday morning.
In the video, the student, who identifies as a Black, queer man, described a profound reevaluation of his political worldview after witnessing the online celebration of Kirk’s death by some leftist commentators and activists. “Am I on a good side of politics? Am I actually, like, aligning with my values and morals, or am I kind of just in an echo chamber full of hate, vitriol, vilification, and just disgusting practices?” he asked, speaking directly to the camera.
He acknowledged that his initial reaction to the news had been shaped by misinformation. “When I first heard about the news,” he said, “I actually was understanding to a lot of this ‘excitement’ online. I didn’t think much of the death because, from what I had heard, Charlie Kirk had been a ‘neo-Nazi‘ who wanted me to be dead.”
After taking time to investigate Kirk’s videos, speeches, and public persona, the student said he discovered a different picture. “I really took some time to look into his beliefs, his thoughts, who he was as a person, and to me he seemed like a well-mannered family man. He believed in the country; he believed in the greater good; he had his own political opinions,” he said. While noting that he did not agree with Kirk on every issue, he stressed that murder was never justifiable.
The experience prompted a broader reassessment of the student’s political alignment. “It kind of just made me re-evaluate everything,” he said. “I felt sick realizing there were so many people celebrating his passing. He seemed like a normal guy. I think I may be starting to lean a lot farther right.”
The video has resonated with thousands of viewers, with comment sections largely supportive, highlighting the influence of Kirk’s life and work on young conservatives and the ongoing impact of his assassination on political discourse.
Observers note that the student’s reflection underscores a growing awareness among some young voters of the perils of online echo chambers and the effects of misinformation. In this case, the tragic death of a public figure appears to have catalyzed a personal and political reckoning, illustrating how highly charged national events can shape individual perspectives and ideological journeys.