Podcaster Jennifer Welch Says Charlie Kirk 'Justified His Death' With 2023 Pro-Gun Remarks — Don Lemon, Widow Respond

Jennifer Welch, co-host of the "I've Had It" podcast, said on a recent episode that slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk had, by his own public remarks about guns, effectively "justified his death." Welch made the comments during a video interview posted Saturday that featured former CNN anchor Don Lemon as a guest.

Welch's Claim and the Cited Quote

Before weighing in, Welch played an excerpt of an interview in which CBS News chief Bari Weiss spoke with Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk. Weiss asked Erika what she would say to people who claimed Charlie Kirk "had it coming," and Erika responded emotionally: "You're sick. He's a human being. You think he deserved that? Tell that to my three-year-old daughter."

Welch argued the more meaningful justification for Kirk's death came from Kirk himself, citing a remark he made in 2023 at a Turning Point USA event about accepting some gun deaths as a cost of preserving the Second Amendment. Welch summarized that comment by saying: "He's the one that said on tape that if school kids die but it means he gets to have a Second Amendment, then that's what it's going to be. He's the one that justified it."

"I think it's worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational."

Don Lemon's Reaction

Don Lemon interjected that he did not "know anyone who justified Charlie Kirk's death," while acknowledging nuance in the debate. He emphasized that, in his view, Kirk should not have been killed, but noted Kirk's public support for firearms and his opposition to stricter gun legislation. Lemon said: "Everyone I know prefaces it the same way that you do — he should still be alive. The man should not be dead. However, it is true he promoted guns, he did not want sensible gun legislation, and he said that you have to have a certain amount of casualties, so to speak, in order to have a Second Amendment."

Lemon also commented on Erika Kirk's recent media appearances, saying some of her emotional responses looked "kind of act-y" to him while acknowledging that people grieve differently.

Erika Kirk's Response

Erika Kirk told Weiss that she could not accept suggestions her husband "had it coming." At the DealBook Conference in New York City earlier this month, Erika said the murder had not changed her support for the Second Amendment. She pointed to mental health, anxiety, and depression as factors she believes contribute to U.S. shootings and described the problem as "deeply human" and spiritual in nature.

Erika said: "What I've realized through all of this is that you can have individuals that will always resort to violence... That's not a gun problem, that's a human — deeply human — problem. That is a soul problem; that is a mental [problem]."

Context and Reaction

The exchange between Welch and Lemon reflects the broader, sharp debate over guns, responsibility and rhetoric after a high-profile killing. Commentators and family members remain divided over how to interpret public statements and whether rhetoric about policy and acceptable costs bears moral responsibility for violent acts.

Note: This article reports participants' statements and public quotes. It does not ascribe legal responsibility; it summarizes opinions expressed on the podcast and in public appearances.