Stephen Colbert on Charlie Kirk shooting: Political violence only leads to more political violence'

"Our condolences go out to his family, and all of his loved ones, said Colbert. I'm old enough to personally remember the political violence of the 1960s, the Late Show host added. And I hope it is obvious to everyone in America that political violence does not solve any of our political differences. Political violence only leads to more political violence. And I pray with all my heart that this is the aberrant action of a madman, and not a sign of things to come."

"For example, the very real headline Poland accuses Russia of invading its airspace. As Poland is in Nato, a potential attack against one nation would be considered an attack against all. Basically, Nato has the same rules as a bachelorette party at Medieval Times, said Colbert. You come for Shayna, you come for all of us, OK? It's her special day, and you do not want to see what I will do to you with this turkey leg."

"Nato fighter jets shot down the Russian drones as soon as they entered Nato airspace, leading the Polish prime minister to remark: This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since world war two. Oh no, we're going to have to save Private Ryan again, Colbert quipped. Thankfully, with Europe on the brink of war, America has a statesman in office, who can reassure the world with a steady hand and calming words."

Charlie Kirk, a rightwing activist and Trump adviser, was shot and killed at age 31 during an event in Utah. Stephen Colbert offered condolences, recalled the political violence of the 1960s, and warned that political violence only begets more violence while hoping the attack was the act of a lone madman. Colbert performed prepared monologue material that joked about Poland accusing Russia of invading its airspace and likened NATO rules to a bachelorette party at Medieval Times. NATO jets shot down Russian drones after they entered NATO airspace, prompting remarks about the closest risk of open conflict since World War II. Colbert quipped about saving Private Ryan, contrasted calming words with leadership, and noted that Trump posted on Truth Social questioning why Russia violated Poland's airspace with drones. Late-night hosts also assessed Trump's denials regarding a sexually suggestive 2003 birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein.

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