Bondi Warns Would-Be Copycats After Kirk, Zarutska Murders

Attorney General Pam Bondi warned would-be copycats that federal authorities will 'find you, catch you, and prosecute you' in the wake of two killings tied to political discourse: Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk and Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. Bondi spoke Saturday on Fox News, saying there is a line between protected speech and violent incitement, and that the Justice Department will pursue those who cross it. 'You can be hateful all day long, but if you're going to attack someone and have the ability to do that and say things to carry it out, we are coming for you,' she told Fox News during My View with Lara Trump.

Supporters and family members described the Kirk case as a catalyst for policy debates about political violence, even as investigators pursue leads. In Utah, prosecutors have indicted Charlie Kirk's alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, with first-degree murder and are seeking the death penalty. Federal authorities said additional charges may be pursued. In Zarutska's case, federal authorities have said the death penalty remains on the table after her murder aboard public transit in Charlotte, North Carolina, in August. The two cases are being handled separately but share a focus on keeping political violence from crossing into criminal acts. The suspects in both killings, Tyler Robinson and Decarlos Brown Jr., are in custody as prosecutors build cases against them.

Bondi stressed that the law does not criminalize ordinary political speech, but vows swift action against anyone who incites violence or acts on it. 'Charlie was a Christian,' she said, noting that his death had energized Turning Point chapters across the country, including new student efforts she said she had heard about from friends' daughters who want to start conservative groups. Bondi also affirmed that Kirk’s death had not silenced him, describing the positive energy she said was surfacing among supporters who want to continue his mission. "We know Charlie is in heaven. Charlie was Bible-based, and so is Erika... look at Erika Kirk and what she is about to accomplish and what all of Charlie's friends are going to accomplish."

Flowers and tributes to Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk filled Utah Valley University’s campus after his killing on Sept. 10, 2025. Attorney General Bondi said Kirk’s death energized supporters to carry on his mission.

The cases surrounding Kirk's and Zarutska's murders are ongoing, with suspects Tyler Robinson and Decarlos Brown Jr. in custody. Prosecutors in Utah have indicted Robinson on first-degree murder and are seeking the death penalty, while federal authorities weigh additional charges. In Zarutska’s case, the Justice Department has confirmed that the death penalty remains on the table after her killing on public transit in Charlotte, North Carolina, in August.

Trump previously criticized Bondi for "all talk, no action" in a since-deleted Truth Social post, urging prosecutors to move against opponents of the administration. He specifically named former FBI Director James Comey, Sen. Adam Schiff, and New York Attorney General Letitia James in the post. Trump later deleted that message and posted another praising Bondi for her "careful" work over the last eight months. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Bondi later clarified her remarks after blowback from conservatives who argued she had stretched for a stance on free speech and violence. The episode underscored ongoing tensions in how to deter political violence while protecting First Amendment rights. Law enforcement officials say they will pursue any criminal acts tied to political violence with the full weight of the judiciary, including potential capital charges where warranted.

The March of memorials and the ongoing investigations into both cases continue to shape a national conversation about safety, rhetoric, and accountability in American political life. Supporters of Kirk and Zarutska have urged calm and adherence to due process as authorities pursue justice.