Steve Bannon Urges Investigation of Spencer Cox After Charlie Kirk Shooting

Steve Bannon has called for an investigation into Utah Governor Spencer Cox following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Newsweek reached out to Cox’s office for comment via email.

Why It Matters

Kirk, 31, was assassinated during a speech at Utah Valley University on September 10 during his “American Comeback Tour.” A suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is in custody. Kirk was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and played a key role in organizing young Republican voters.

What To Know

Cox has earned bipartisan praise for his response to the assassination, but some more MAGA-aligned conservatives, such as Bannon, have been more critical. During an episode of his War Room podcast, the former White House chief strategist called on Cox to be investigated over the state’s mental health initiatives.

No law enforcement has suggested Cox has done any wrongdoing to warrant an investigation.

During an interview with Sheila Matthews, a co-founder of a conservative parental rights group, Bannon raised concerns about Intermountain Support Coordination Services, a company that is contracted by the state to provide services for individuals who have disabilities. Robinson’s mother, Amber Robinson, is a social worker who has reportedly worked for the company.

“Cox should be investigated. Why the White House—and they’re saying we had nothing to do with this guy, but even the first time, when [FBI Director Kash Patel] flew out there, why was he allowed to have a speaking role? Who made that decision? He needs to be investigated. [Robinson’s] mother needs to be investigated,” Bannon said.

Steve Bannon speaks during the Semafor World Economy Summit 2025 in Washington, D.C. on April 23, 2025.

Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Bannon also raised concerns about Cox’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, as the governor has been viewed as more moderate on the matter. He has previously declined to sign some anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, leaving him at odds with more conservative Republicans.

Robinson lived with a transgender roommate and romantic partner who is helping police in the investigation. Cox said the roommate “had no idea that this was happening.”

Kirk was previously critical of Cox, calling on him to be “expelled from the Republican Party” after he declined to sign into law a bill to ban transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports.

What People Are Saying

Utah Governor Spencer Cox, during a press conference last week: “Social media is a cancer on our society right now, and I would encourage people to log off, turn off, touch grass, hug a family member. Go out and do good in the community.”

Journalist Chris Cillizza, on X: “The country (and the world) now know the Utah governor’s name — due to the assassination of Charlie Kirk in the Beehive State on Wednesday. And what they’ve seen is a politician less interested in blame than in soothing. An elected official focused on empathy rather than political point-scoring.

“At the moment, we have a politics perfectly suited to our modern the attention economy. People who yell or bully or say vile things or ignore norms are rewarded — more fundraising dollars, more TV time, more ‘fame.’ It has created a downward spiral where our politicians seem to value trolling the other side more than actually engaging with them.

“But, Spencer Cox deserves credit — whether or not he is going to be a major player for Republicans in 2028 (or ever). Because he is doing the hardest thing in politics: Refusing to take the easy road.”

Governor Josh Shapiro, a Pennsylvania Democrat, on CBS News: “We are at a pivotal moment in this country, and we need leaders to step up and speak and act with moral clarity, not to use the rhetoric of vengeance, but to use words of healing. That’s exactly what Spencer has been doing over the past few years. Actually, he’s been doing it over the last number of years.”