Kari Lake, senior advisor in the Trump administration for the U.S. Agency for Global Media, used her remarks at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service to blame American colleges for fueling the radicalization of his killer.
The service, held Sunday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, drew several high-profile figures from President Donald Trump’s cabinet, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
During her speech, Lake questioned how a young man could become violent, linking the shift in his beliefs to higher education. “How does a 22-year-old become so filled with hate?” she asked. “Five years earlier, I was told he was a Trump supporter.”
She went on to describe colleges as dangerous institutions that strip young people of their values. “Then we send our kids off to college and they brainwash him,” she said. “I am making a plea to mothers out there, please don’t send your children into these indoctrination camps.”
Lake’s remarks painted a stark picture of the alleged transformation of the suspect. “At one point, that 22-year-old was a baby in his mother’s arms,” she said. “And by all accounts, they did a good job raising him until he was sent off to be brainwashed.”
She warned that the United States was facing an unprecedented challenge. “We are living through the most horrific brainwashing campaign in the history of mankind,” she added.
Kirk, a conservative activist and vocal supporter of Trump, was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University earlier this month. His death has sparked national debate, with Republicans accusing Democrats of fostering a climate of hostility and Democrats strongly denying responsibility.
Lake, a prominent voice within Trump’s circle, emphasized that the problem of political violence needed attention from both sides but insisted that the threat was not evenly distributed. “I’m not going to say our side is perfect, but damn it, this is coming from the other side!” she declared.
The memorial service mixed mourning with political rhetoric, reflecting the contentious climate surrounding Kirk’s killing. Attendees honored Kirk’s contributions to conservative activism while also addressing the broader social and political divisions his assassination has intensified.
Lake’s comments added fuel to the already polarized debate, underscoring how the tragedy has become both a moment of reflection and a flashpoint in America’s ongoing struggle with political extremism.