California State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) drew criticism this week after issuing remarks that many viewed as disparaging toward the late Charlie Kirk, the conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
In a post shared after Kirk’s killing, Wiener acknowledged that Kirk did not “deserve to die,” but immediately followed by labeling him a “vile bigot who did immeasurable harm.”
The comments sparked swift condemnation online, with critics accusing Wiener of smearing Kirk while downplaying the gravity of his assassination.
“Also Charlie Kirk was a vile bigot who did immeasurable harm to so many people by normalizing dehumanization,” Wiener wrote.
He did not provide any examples of Kirk engaging in such conduct.
“Yes, having debates on college campuses is a good thing. But dehumanizing people — & persuading others to do so — is horrific,” he added, again without citing specific statements attributed to Kirk.
So dehumanizing pic.twitter.com/yczZMgqUan
— Eric (@Eric130_7) September 15, 2025
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Kirk, 31, was known for his outspoken Christian faith and his advocacy on college campuses, where he frequently engaged in public debates with ideological opponents.
He was shot and killed during his American Comeback Tour appearance in Utah, prompting national outrage and an ongoing federal investigation.
Social media users quickly condemned Wiener’s remarks, calling them inappropriate in light of Kirk’s death.
“Says the dude who does immeasurable damage to children walking around in a leather G-string in public. Says a member of CA’s senate who pushes bills reducing sentences for child r@pists,” one user wrote.
“You’re a disgusting POS.”
Says the dude who does immeasurable damage to children walking around in a leather G-string in public.
Says a member of CA’s senate who pushes bills reducing sentences for child r@pists.
You’re a disgusting POS
— Hunter Eagleman™ (@Hunter_Eagleman) September 15, 2025
Another individual pointed to Kirk’s debating record.
“Scott, I spent this last weekend listening to several debates with Charlie Kirk and people that disagree with him. I can’t find ONE EXAMPLE of him saying the dehumanizing things YOU are accusing him of and I’m sure you can’t either. What does that make you? A LIAR!”
Scott, I spent this last weekend listening to several debates with Charlie Kirk and people that disagree with him. I can’t find ONE EXAMPLE of him saying the dehumanizing things YOU are accusing him of and I’m sure you can’t either. What does that make you? A LIAR!
— A Maligator Mom 🐾🌹🇺🇸 (@ClearlyK9Mona) September 15, 2025
Others accused Wiener of exploiting Kirk’s death for political purposes.
“You just can’t help yourself Scott. You seek attention so badly that you slander this dead man’s name for your self gratification. You are scum,” one comment read.
You just can’t help yourself Scott. You seek attention so badly that you slander this dead man’s name for your self gratification. You are scum.
— Sfvic (@sanfranvic1) September 15, 2025
Another user described him as a “vile, inconsiderate snake that thrives on deceit, thrives on destruction, and leaves only poison in your path.”
Several commenters also defended Kirk’s reputation as a family man and Christian.
“You horribly slander a decent God-fearing family man,” one wrote, while another argued that Wiener’s statements revealed “proof that just because you occupy a government office, that does not make you smart or even remotely coherent.”
Wiener, who has previously been outspoken against federal immigration enforcement, has also drawn attention in the past for calling migrant detention centers “prison gulags” and accusing President Donald Trump of attempting to impose a “fascist police state.”
My statement on Pam Bondi & Doug Burgum’s visit to Alcatraz today to announce plans to turn it from a popular tourist destination into a secret police gulag: pic.twitter.com/ODeYRVkRYj
— Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) July 17, 2025
His latest comments on Kirk have added to a pattern of statements that critics say undermine public confidence in elected officials.
The controversy comes as tributes continue nationwide for Kirk, whose influence within the conservative movement extended across campuses and communities.
Federal officials have not released new details in the investigation into his assassination, but public scrutiny remains focused both on the crime itself and the reactions it has provoked in political circles.
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