California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing fresh scrutiny for an inflammatory call to “fight” Republicans — and even “punch these sons of bitches in the mouth” — made just weeks before Charlie Kirk was assassinated.
The governor, widely tipped as a likely future presidential candidate for the Dems, made the inflammatory call during an Aug. 20 tirade on “The Siren” about those involved in Texas’ controversial redistricting map.
“Look at these Republicans, cowering to this guy,” Newsom said, referring to their support for President Trump.
“So, I’m sorry. I know some people’s sensibilities. I respect and appreciate that. But right now, with all due respect, we’re walking down a damn different path,” he raged.
“We’re fighting fire with fire. And we’re gonna punch these sons of bitches in the mouth.”
Video of the Democrats’ comments went viral on social media after conservative influencer Kirk — a close ally of Trump — was shot dead while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, with many accusing Newsom of carelessly calling for violence.
“This was bad at the time and it is worse today,” Breitbart editor Joel Pollak posted in response to the resurfaced Newsom clip.
“Is this you dude? Calling for violence and then it happens,” one user wrote, while another marveled, “And this guy wants to be our next President?”
Another user said, “This is exactly what I’m talking about! This violent rhetoric empowers mentally unstable people.”
Soon after Kirk was shot in the neck, Newsom condemned the attack as “disgusting, vile and reprehensible” and called on Americans to “reject political violence in every form.”
He later said he knew the father of two — having recently sat with him on his show — and lauded him for opening a conversation between opposing sides who often can’t see eye to eye.
“I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate. His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence,” Newsom posted on X.
“The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse,” he continued.
“In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate — never through violence.”
The gunman who shot Kirk remained at large early Thursday afternoon and a motive remains under investigation.
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