Texas Senator Ted Cruz confronted CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins during a Tuesday night appearance on her program “The Source,” accusing her of spreading misinformation about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
The exchange came when Collins claimed authorities “don’t have a motive yet” for the September 10 shooting at Utah Valley University, where 22-year-old Tyler Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Kirk.
Collins argued that investigators had not publicly detailed a motive, but Cruz dismissed the statement as false.
“Of course we know. Come on,” Cruz responded sharply. “We don’t have a motive yet? Really? Really, that’s CNN’s position? He just happened to fire the gun in celebration? You can’t tell the motive here?”
Collins continued to insist that law enforcement had not released an official motive, prompting Cruz to push back further. “They have,” he replied. “That statement is false. What you just said is false. What you just said is false, Kaitlan.”
As Collins attempted to speak over him, Cruz repeated his objection. “You just said law enforcement has not laid out a motive. That is objectively false. That is objectively false. What you are saying is objectively false, and CNN should not be engaged in misinformation.”
WATCH:
CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on the Charlie Kirk assassination: “We don’t have a motive yet. We don’t know yet. We’re waiting…”
Sen. Ted Cruz: “Of course we know. Come one. ‘We don’t have a motive yet. We know we don’t have a motive yet.’ Really, that’s CNN’s position? He… pic.twitter.com/n2ERQpoa73 [2]
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) September 17, 2025 [3]
Authorities in Utah have provided background about Robinson, including his relationship with a transgender roommate and his growing involvement in political activism.
Officials said Robinson confessed his intent before the shooting, telling his partner, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Republican Utah Governor Spencer Cox has also addressed the case publicly, stating that investigators found Robinson “was deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.”
Kirk was shot in the neck while appearing on campus and later died from his injuries. The attack sparked national outrage and widespread tributes to the Turning Point USA founder, who had been a prominent conservative voice on college campuses.
The clash between Cruz and Collins comes as media coverage of the assassination continues to draw scrutiny.
Some networks have faced criticism for speculation or commentary surrounding the case, including remarks from a former MSNBC host who was dismissed after suggesting the shooting might have been celebratory.
The investigation into Robinson remains ongoing, but law enforcement has made clear that political motivations were involved. Cruz’s rebuke of CNN reflects broader frustration among conservatives who argue that major media outlets have downplayed the ideological ties behind the attack.