Liberal CNN analyst Van Jones revealed Saturday that conservative activist Charlie Kirk reached out to him with a message requesting dialogue just one day before Kirk was assassinated at a college tour event in Utah on September 10, 2025.
Jones shared the direct message on his Instagram, which Kirk sent on September 9. In the message, Kirk wrote: “Hey Van, I mean it, I’d love to have you on my show to have a respectful conversation about crime and race.”
The message continued with Kirk indicating he would be a gentleman as he knew Jones would be as well, and that they could disagree about the issues agreeably. Jones described receiving the message as shocking, particularly given their recent public feud.
Jones explained that he and Kirk had been feuding intensely in the final week of the Turning Point USA founder’s life. The disagreement centered on the killing of a Ukrainian refugee, with Kirk claiming the crime was motivated by anti-white hatred while Jones denounced this characterization as unfounded during a CNN segment.
The CNN analyst acknowledged that he and Kirk were not friends at all, but noted that Kirk’s final message proved the conservative activist wanted dialogue rather than division. Jones initially hesitated about sharing the message after Kirk’s death but ultimately decided it was important for the public to see.
Jones expressed that watching discussions about civil wars and censorship following Kirk’s death motivated him to reveal the message. He emphasized that Kirk’s final day was spent reaching out for more conversation and dialogue with someone who was honestly one of his adversaries, rather than seeking more censorship.
Tyler Robinson shot and killed Kirk the following day during a speaking event in Orem, Utah. Jones never had the opportunity to respond to Kirk’s invitation before the assassination occurred.
Following the shooting, Jones immediately condemned the attack, describing it as absolutely horrifying and heartbreaking. He noted that Kirk fought with words, not weapons, and emphasized there was no place for political violence in society.
The FBI reported that Robinson had texted about having the opportunity to take out Kirk and claimed that some hatred cannot be negotiated with. The assassination has sparked widespread discussion about political violence and discourse in America.
Jones used the revelation of Kirk’s message to advocate for renewed dialogue across political divides. He wrote on Instagram that Kirk’s murder gives everyone reason to return to the table for dialogue, noting a rising tide of political violence that has claimed lives from both the left and right.
The CNN personality criticized those using Kirk’s assassination to call for more violence or censorship. He argued that people cannot blame such choices on Kirk, given that his final 24 hours provided proof that he wanted to go a very different way toward civility and conversation.
Jones emphasized that Kirk’s response when their public dispute began escalating was to push for more conversation rather than silencing or censorship, and more civility rather than stridency or venom. He urged people on both political sides to follow Kirk’s example of seeking respectful disagreement.
Kirk’s funeral was held Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. Former President Donald Trump delivered remarks at the funeral, reflecting Kirk’s influence within conservative political circles.
The revelation has prompted discussions about the nature of political discourse and the potential for dialogue between opposing viewpoints. Jones expressed hope that sharing Kirk’s message might help people on both sides deal with issues in a manner similar to how Kirk approached disagreement in his final hours.
Social media platforms have been flooded with various reactions to Kirk’s assassination, including both outrage and disturbing celebrations or mockery of the conservative figure’s violent death. Jones’ revelation of the private message has added a new dimension to discussions about Kirk’s legacy and intentions.
