At USC’s Democracy Day, Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered a raw, bipartisan message after Charlie Kirk’s murder — praising Kirk as a skilled communicator, warning that the culture of online rage is pushing America toward a cliff, and urging people to “make yourself human again” by seeking real-world civility.
At the University of Southern California’s Democracy Day, Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke about Charlie Kirk’s shocking murder, expressing sorrow and delivering a stark warning about how rising division and hostility threaten democracy. He praised the 31-year-old Kirk as a “great communicator” who could engage across the political aisle.
Schwarzenegger pointed to a toxic culture of division — from social media and mainstream outlets to politicians on both sides — as a driver of tragedies like Kirk’s assassination. “We have to be very careful that we don’t get any closer to the cliff because when you fall down the cliff, down there, there’s no democracy,” he said.
He later shared the moment on X, noting the respectful silence inside the USC auditorium — no heckling, no shouting — as proof that real-world civility still exists. He suggested that what we see online is not representative of most people.
Schwarzenegger criticized social platforms and “rage influencers” for amplifying anger, pointing out that a few vicious posts get far more attention than hundreds of respectful interactions. He urged people not to mistake online rage for the norm.
He encouraged those who feel swept up by anger to step away from online outrage and reconnect in person: “If you find yourself falling for the anger, go out in the real world and make yourself human again,” he said, praising the USC crowd of nearly 500 students for their respectful behavior.
Schwarzenegger’s remarks drew widespread praise online, with many users thanking him for restoring faith in humanity and calling for more leaders to model calm and restraint. Comments ranged from gratitude for his civility message to calls for others to follow his example.
Kirk’s killing has intensified national debate over political violence, free speech and the limits of acceptable discourse. Social media has become a flashpoint, with some users punished for celebratory posts and others criticizing platforms for failing to act quickly on hateful content.
Turning Point USA announced a public memorial for Charlie Kirk: a morning service on Sunday, Sept. 21, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, expected to draw thousands of mourners, including political allies and young conservatives influenced by Kirk’s campus work.
