Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett appeared on The Hugh Hewitt Show to discuss her new book, Listening to the Law, but the conversation turned somber as she addressed the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Barrett and Kirk had recently participated in separate public events, and Hewitt noted that Kirk was killed just hours after his own interview with Barrett.

Barrett expressed her condolences, describing the killing as “horrific” and a national tragedy. She reflected on the loss of Kirk as not just a public figure but a husband and father of two young children. She noted the somber mood at Notre Dame, where she had traveled after leaving the Nixon Library, and emphasized the broader implications of the act.

She cautioned that the event reflects a dangerous shift in American political culture. While suggesting that the shooter may have been mentally unstable, Barrett stressed that society must not foster an environment where political discourse turns into violence. “That’s unacceptable in the United States,” she said.

WATCH:

Hewitt referenced a passage from Barrett’s book, quoting G.K. Chesterton about the difference between arguments and quarrels. Barrett emphasized the need for healthy debate and warned against isolating ourselves from differing viewpoints. She contrasted genuine intellectual sparring with personal attacks, noting that the former can build understanding, while the latter can lead to division—and, in rare cases, violence.

Barrett highlighted that Kirk himself was known for engaging in debates and conversations with those on opposing sides of the political spectrum, embodying the kind of discourse she believes is essential for a functioning democracy. She called his murder a potential turning point for re-evaluating the tone of public debate in the U.S.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, prompting national mourning and debate over political violence.