CNN host Kaitlan Collins engaged in a heated exchange with Senator Ted Cruz during an interview on “The Source” concerning the motive behind the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The discussion took place on September 16, 2025, with both participants frequently talking over each other.
The clash centered on Cruz’s statement that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of killing Kirk, was motivated by leftist ideologies. Collins challenged this assertion, noting that law enforcement had not yet confirmed Robinson’s specific motive for the September 10 incident at Utah Valley University.
Collins pointed out that authorities had not established a definitive motive, emphasizing that investigators were still waiting for concrete evidence. Cruz, however, mocked this stance, suggesting that Collins and CNN were spreading misinformation by not acknowledging what he considered an apparent political motivation.
Utah prosecutors disclosed text messages from Robinson on Tuesday, charging him with aggravated murder. These messages included the suspect’s remark that some hate cannot be negotiated out. FBI officials and Utah Governor Spencer Cox indicated that Robinson held leftist ideologies and had become increasingly radicalized.
During the interview, Collins sought to clarify her position, explaining that while law enforcement had presented evidence, including messages, they had not established a concrete legal motive. She distinguished between evidence presented in legal proceedings and political interpretations of the case. “Senator, I’m the one asking questions here,” Collins asserted when Cruz continued to interrupt her efforts to maintain control of the discussion.
Cruz expanded his argument, claiming that political violence was predominantly a problem associated with the left, despite Collins’ attempts to highlight other instances of political violence targeting Democrats. The senator specifically dismissed the murders of Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, characterizing their killer as a deranged individual rather than a right-wing activist with political motives.
The suspect in the Hortman case, Vance Boelter, had targeted four homes of Democratic state legislators before fleeing under police gunfire. Boelter also worked as a pastor opposing abortion, details that Cruz appeared to downplay during his argument with Collins.
Collins questioned Cruz about whether right-wing groups should also face investigation and prosecution, referencing his earlier remarks about investigating left-wing organizations and their financing. Cruz agreed that anyone involved in acts of violence should be prosecuted, but maintained that leftists had been celebrating Kirk’s death on social media.
The interview grew increasingly combative as both participants spoke over each other for extended periods. Collins repeatedly attempted to correct what she viewed as mischaracterizations of her statements, while Cruz accused the network of disseminating misinformation about the case.
Republicans, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, quickly labeled Robinson as a left-wing activist following the shooting. Trump threatened a major investigation into left-wing agitators, while Cruz called for designating antifa as a terrorist organization earlier on Tuesday.
The exchange concluded with Collins expressing frustration at Cruz’s continued interruptions. She emphasized that no one should celebrate murder, regardless of the victim’s beliefs, calling such celebrations wrong. Cruz attempted to respond as Collins ended the interview, but she cut him off and thanked him for his time.
Following the interview, Cruz posted about the interaction on the social media platform X, reiterating his position that Robinson was a left-wing activist who hated Kirk. The senator shared a video clip of the contentious exchange, maintaining his characterization of the suspect’s motives.
The confrontation highlighted ongoing tensions between Republican officials and mainstream media outlets over coverage of political violence. Collins, who has previously clashed with Trump administration officials, maintained her journalistic stance of distinguishing between evidence and legal conclusions throughout the exchange.