NEWSArnold Schwarzenegger Has Stern Warning After Charlie Kirk Assassination: 'We Have to Be Careful'
Arnold Schwarzenegger warned USC students about the dangers of being divided.
Sept. 17 2025, Published 4:18 p.m. ET
Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke at the University of Southern California in celebration of Democracy Day on Monday, September 15. While addressing the audience, the actor mentioned the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Schwarzenegger, who served as the California governor from 2003 to 2011, said that Kirk being shot in cold blood was “just unbelievable,” adding, “I was very, very upset that someone’s life was taken because they have a different opinion.”
'People Power Is the Ultimate Power'
Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed the assassination of Charlie Kirk during a speech at USC.
The Terminator actor added, “We’re getting hit from so many different angles and we have to be very careful that we don’t get any closer to the cliff because when you fall down that cliff, there is no democracy."
Schwarzenegger suggested the American people have the most influence in politics despite government officials having a final say. He noted that having constructive debates is essential for future generations to see.
“People power is the ultimate power – that’s what democracy is all about. Not politician power – it’s people power,” he stated.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Urges Students Not to Listen to 'Rage Influencers'
The actor said there is more power in the people than there is in politics.
Schwarzenegger added, “Imagine you get together and start having communications together. You will be an example to the rest of the nation, for all universities – how you get together, how you do not see the other side as the enemy or to fight fire with fire or to declare war on each other.”
Following his speech, the actor took to Instagram to share a clip of himself discussing the assassination of Kirk, who was 31 when he was killed. He captioned the post by pointing out how the audience respectfully listened to what he had to say without inciting dangers on others.
“I know that social media shows us the worst of humanity, and a few people celebrating a death will get more attention than hundreds of respectful people,” Schwarzenegger wrote. “Don’t let these companies and the rage influencers that profit from them convince you the worst of us are the most of us. They are a tiny minority that gets too much attention because anger makes you post, repost, and like.”
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'Make Yourself Human Again'
Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University on September 10.
The former governor continued, “This was an audience of almost 500 students, and zero disrespect. That’s how most of the real world outside of the internet is. If you find yourself falling for the anger, go out in the real world and make yourself human again.”
Kirk’s assassination was carried out during his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University on September 10, when a shooter, who has been identified as Tyler Robinson, 22, fired a single shot to the activist’s neck.
Tyler Robinson Says He Had 'Enough' of Charlie Kirk's 'Hatred'
Tyler Robinson said he killed Charlie Kirk because he 'had enough of his hatred.'
Kirk was discussing the transgender community and mass shootings at the time he was shot after fielding a specific question from a student. The assassin, Robinson, is reportedly in a romantic relationship with a transgender individual.
As for a motive, antifascist ideations have been linked to a reason for why the suspect shot and killed Kirk. Robinson’s text messages with his partner also revealed him admitting he “had enough of his hatred,” referring to the late activist.
