House Republicans are calling for a formal congressional investigation into what they describe as “radical left” networks following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. On September 11, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson urging the formation of a select committee to probe organized left-wing violence. The letter, co-signed by 22 Republicans, cited previous attacks such as the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the 2017 congressional baseball shooting as part of a pattern.

The proposed committee would have subpoena power and target groups like Antifa and donors such as George Soros. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) emphasized the need to address what he called well-funded efforts by the radical left to intimidate and silence conservatives. Republicans argue that these networks play an increasing role in fueling political violence, particularly against right-wing voices.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” aimed at mobilizing young voters before the 2026 midterms. The killing shocked Washington and drew bipartisan condemnation, with Democrats issuing a joint statement denouncing the attack and reaffirming their support for peaceful political discourse.

Robinson has since retained a lawyer and stopped cooperating with investigators. He is expected to face charges including aggravated murder. Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that Robinson acted alone but also revealed that the suspect had expressed critical political views about Kirk at a family dinner shortly before the assassination.

Republicans link Kirk’s assassination to escalating political rhetoric and soft-on-crime policies. Many in the GOP are framing the killing as a pivotal moment in a broader ideological conflict, saying it represents a direct assault on American values, constitutional freedoms, and particularly the right to free speech.