Dean Withers, a 21-year-old political commentator and livestreamer, has gone viral for his emotional response to the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. Withers, known for debating right-wing influencers on TikTok and YouTube, tearfully addressed his 4.3 million followers in a livestream following Kirk’s death. Despite their political differences, his reaction emphasized empathy and respect during a moment of national grief.
Withers, who was raised in a conservative household in Grand Junction, Colorado, gained prominence in 2023 after shifting ideologically and advocating for progressive causes. His viral content, such as “Can 1 Woke Teen Survive 20 Trump Supporters?” garnered millions of views and helped establish him as a sharp and articulate presence in online political discourse.
In a heartfelt TikTok video posted after the September 10 assassination, Withers told his audience, “I just cried in front of 250,000 people.” He condemned the violence that ended Kirk’s life, calling it “disgusting” and “abhorrent,” regardless of political beliefs. His message resonated widely and drew praise from across the political spectrum.
Charlie Kirk was assassinated during a “prove me wrong” debate event at Utah Valley University. A single shot, allegedly fired from a rooftop by a person in dark clothing, struck him fatally in the neck. Kirk was rushed to the hospital but later died. The FBI is still searching for the shooter; two suspects were detained but later released.
Kirk, well-known for his pro-Trump views and traditional conservative stance, often faced intense opposition on college campuses. At UVU, over 7,000 students had signed a petition against his appearance, yet he continued to advocate for dialogue and debate.
He is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, their daughter, and young son. As the nation mourns, reactions like Withers’ highlight the importance of humanity above political division.
