Ted Cruz has called out author Stephen King after he criticized the late Charlie Kirk.
Writing on X, the Texas Republican called King “a horrible, evil, twisted liar” after he claimed Kirk – who was fatally shot on Wednesday – “advocated stoning gays to death.”
Why It Matters
Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative influencer, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah during a question-and-answer session on campus.
He was struck in the neck by a single gunshot. Kirk collapsed, was rushed to a local hospital, and was later pronounced dead.
The Donald Trump ally was also the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA and frequently visited university campuses to deliver talks.
Kirk’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief from his supporters, but others have celebrated his demise, sparking outrage.
The identity and motivation of the shooter is not yet known but Kirk’s death has reignited concerns of deepening political polarization and violence in the country.
What To Know
Writing on X, King was responding to Fox News‘ Jesse Watters calling Kirk a “patriot.” The author said: “He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’.”
In response, Cruz said Kirk did not espouse those views and said King was “dishonest & filled with hate.”
You are a horrible, evil, twisted liar. 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
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 12, 2025
Kirk was critical of LGBTQ rights and expressed opposition to same-sex marriage.
In 2024, Kirk read a Bible passage from Leviticus that advocated for stoning gay people to death and called the passage “God’s perfect law when it comes to sexual matters,” according to Them.
Meanwhile, King had previously drawn criticism when he called Kirk’s death “another example of American gun violence.”
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said in an emailed statement to Newsweek on Wednesday: “Today, in yet another horrific act of targeted political violence, Charlie Kirk was murdered in cold blood on a school campus. Though we’re still awaiting further details, in all likelihood, he was murdered for expressing his beliefs. I am praying for his family, his friends, and his loved ones.”
What Happens Next
U.S. officials are still searching for Kirk’s killer and have released a new video of a suspect jumping from a roof and fleeing. They are calling on the public to provide information about the person, and offering up to $100,000 to people who do so.
Meanwhile, the university campus will be closed until September 14.
Kirk is survived by his wife and two children.
The post Ted Cruz Attacks Stephen King Over Charlie Kirk Post: ‘Horrible, Evil’ appeared first on Newsweek.
