Australian basketball great Andrew Bogut says the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has jolted everyday Australians who usually avoid politics.
The former NBA star also claims many are now questioning the left after watching a string of violent incidents in the United States and at home.
Kirk, 31, the co founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead on September 10 while speaking at an outdoor ‘Prove Me Wrong’ event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Police say a single long range rifle shot struck him in front of an audience of 3000 people, triggering panic and a statewide manhunt.
Authorities arrested 22 year old Tyler Robinson, who remains in custody while investigators work to determine a motive.
Officials have urged against speculation and say digital forensics and interviews are ongoing.
Andrew Bogut spoke out after Charlie Kirk was killed, saying everyday Australians began paying attention to politics again
Bogut shared posts from Discernable that claimed previously disengaged parents connected recent violence and questioned political leaders publicly
Bogut, Australia’s first overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft and a 2015 NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, has long been forthright about his political views.
He often describes himself as centre right or libertarian, championing free speech and individual liberties.
He has criticised COVID era lockdowns, government mandates and what he calls woke politics.
In the wake of Kirk’s killing, he amplified commentary on X that framed the assassination as a turning point for politically disengaged Australians.
One of the posts Bogut shared came from Discernable, a Melbourne based media studio.
The post claimed that even ‘docile, everyday parents who don’t use socials except for FB Marketplace’ had been radicalised after seeing footage of recent violence and then witnessing Kirk gunned down while speaking.’
‘It argued that people who rarely post about politics were beginning to connect disparate incidents and were now asking hard questions about public safety and political rhetoric.
Discernable was founded by Matt Wong in 2019. The studio produces long form interviews, a panel program called The People’s Project, and short news editorials.
Bogut’s social media history shows a long standing interest in politics and culture wars
Vigils were held in several cities, where people mourned Kirk and called for calm and respectful debate nationwide
Abbie Chatfield became central to arguments about tone, as supporters and critics clashed and reported harassment and threats
It distributes content across YouTube, X and podcast platforms, and runs a paid community on Locals. Discernable calls itself independent.
Its guest list and commentary often lean centre right and libertarian, with themes that include free speech, limited government and skepticism toward large institutions.
Bogut also highlighted a thread by game developer Mark Kern, a former team lead on World of Warcraft and a producer on Diablo 2 and StarCraft.
In his posts, Kern argued that the left had destroyed public trust. He wrote that ordinary people saw a clean cut man with a microphone shot while conducting a civil discussion, not leading a rally or a riot.
He said many were then shocked by others celebrating online and asked why anyone would cheer a killing over speech.
Kern’s thread said the reaction felt unhinged to people who entrust teachers, pilots and doctors with their families and their safety.
It comes as candlelight vigils in several Australian cities draw mourners who condemned political violence and expressed shock at the killing.
Abbie Chatfield became a focal point online, with supporters and critics clashing over tone, empathy and the line between criticism and cruelty.
Commentators from both sides of politics have offered sharply different interpretations of the moment and what it says about Australia’s political culture.
Conservative figures called the assassination a wake up call and urged a renewed defence of free speech while rejecting any celebration of a death.
Prominent voices on the left condemned the killing but warned against using the tragedy to smear opponents or narrow debate.
A public memorial titled ‘Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk’ is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Organisers expect a large turnout from supporters and political figures. Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children.
