Media narratives following the assassination of Charlie Kirk have sparked controversy, with some commentators portraying the accused gunman through a sympathetic lens. On Chicago’s Morning Answer, Dan Proft spoke with New York– and Washington-based psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, author of the forthcoming book Therapy Nation, about the psychological framing of the case and its wider cultural implications.
Alpert criticized news coverage that highlighted the suspect’s romantic relationship, arguing that it shifts attention away from the political nature of the crime and the harm caused to Kirk’s family. He described overhearing casual celebrations of the murder in New York City, calling it a troubling sign that sentiments once confined to online subcultures are now expressed openly in everyday settings. “We should be concerned when assassination is rationalized or romanticized as anything other than what it is,” Alpert said.
The discussion also touched on the psychological concept of “splitting,” in which individuals or groups frame one side as entirely evil and the other as wholly virtuous. Alpert warned that when political opponents are labeled in absolute terms, it becomes easier for extremists to justify violence. He compared this mindset to smaller acts of rationalized misconduct, such as shoplifting framed as striking back at corporate greed, which he believes cultivates a permissive culture for more destructive behavior.
Alpert linked this trend to what he calls “validation culture,” where grievances are continually reinforced rather than challenged. He expressed concern that parts of the therapy profession contribute to the problem by elevating patients’ feelings without encouraging accountability. Social media influencers and online personalities, he added, amplify this culture by pushing extreme rhetoric to large audiences.
Reflecting on public reactions to both the Kirk assassination and the high-profile killing of a healthcare executive in New York, Alpert said the celebratory rallies and “folk hero” treatment of violent offenders point to a dangerous cultural shift. He argued that society must stop “coddling” destructive impulses and instead confront the rationalizations that lead individuals to view political violence as justified.
Alpert concluded that media figures and online commentators who trivialize or excuse political violence further erode public trust. “When people turn to YouTubers or therapists who misrepresent reality, they’re getting validation instead of guidance,” he warned. “That dynamic is fueling the anger and instability we’re seeing today.”