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Colleges warned not to invoke Charlie Kirk’s death to silence free speech, unfairly hike security costs
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FIRST ON FOX: More than a dozen state attorneys general sent a letter to public university and college presidents in their respective states Thursday warning them against invoking the assassination of Charlie Kirk to chill conservative free speech, or face investigations and potential lawsuits, Fox News Digital exclusively learned.
«Unfortunately, we have heard troubling reports that some university officials are using the murder of Charlie Kirk as a justification to shut down speech on campus,» the letter reads. «While considering safety concerns, it is critical that universities are not imposing what would effectively be a tax on free speech.»
«Particularly at this moment, when free speech itself was attacked, our universities must show through their actions that they will defend free speech and resist the ‘Assassin’s Veto.’ You have an obligation to protect free speech—you must not use the burden of protecting free speech to prevent free speech.»
The «assassin’s veto» is understood as a phenomenon of using violence or threats of violence to silence opposing views.
CHARLIE KIRK’S KILLING AT UTAH UNIVERSITY PROMPTS SCRUTINY OF SECURITY MEASURES
Charlie Kirk speaks at CPAC in Oxon Hill, Maryland. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
At the heart of the letter is the issue of security costs as it pertains to conservative speakers. Colleges and universities previously have come under fire over accusations of charging higher security fees for conservative speakers.
Such accusations have led to free speech lawsuits in the past, including the University of California, Berekely, settling a lawsuit with campus conservative groups, the College Republicans and Young America’s Foundation, in 2018 concerning allegations the school discriminated against conservative speakers by leveling higher security fees and other safety restrictions that led to the cancellation of right-leaning speakers on campus.
Berkeley argued that the higher security fees were based on assessment from law enforcement officials that the speakers were likely to face an increase in public disruption and violence, before reaffirming its «commitment to free speech» and changing its security fee operations.
The state attorneys general called on colleges to ensure they «impose security fees in a content-neutral and viewpoint-neutral manner» or face potential investigation and legal action.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird speaks on stage on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
YEARS OF CAMPUS ATTACKS ON CONSERVATIVE ACTIVISTS RESURFACE AFTER CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER
«Any security policy that appears neutral on its face must not be applied in a discriminatory manner. There is a long and troubling trend of universities misusing security policies to unconstitutionally chill conservative speech on campus. For example, just last year, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico issued a preliminary injunction against the University of New Mexico after the university attempted to charge Turning Point USA over $5,000 in security fees for an October 2023 event featuring conservative speaker Riley Gaines. As the Court found, that was unacceptable,» the letter continued, pointing to another instance of colleges using security fees to allegedly silence conservative voices.
The letter was spearheaded by Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird. A total of 17 Republican state attorneys general signed onto the letter, including top law enforcement officials from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Utah.
«The tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s assassination is a sobering reminder that the right to free speech must be protected,» Bird told Fox Digital. «Charlie was murdered while debating on a university campus, a place where the free exchange of ideas should be encouraged; we cannot allow the actions of an assassin to stop free speech in any way. Colleges and universities must take steps to keep their students safe while preserving free discussion and open debate.»
Kirk was killed Sept. 10 while he was at Utah Valley University’s campus as part of a Turning Point USA event. The conservative powerhouse was sitting under a tent while chatting with students when a single shot rang out and struck Kirk in the neck.
«We were shocked and saddened by the assassination of Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University on Wednesday,» the letter reads. «As the chief law enforcement officers of our states, we unequivocally condemn political violence of any kind. The fact that the slaying took place on a college campus, during a debate, makes it even more tragic.»
«It is critical our state institutions of higher learning serve as forums for robust debate from all perspectives,» the letter continued. «The campus should be the very place where the First Amendment rings loudest for all to hear. We urge you to say no to the ‘Assassin’s Veto.’»
An FBI investigator is seen near the building where Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The attorneys general argued that students might be considered «consumers» under the respective states’ Consumer Fraud Acts or Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices laws, and that the universities might violate state «laws if you invoke ‘security concerns’ to impose exorbitant fees on student groups,» while simultaneously advertising to students that the school is open for discussion and dialogue across the political spectrum.
CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: TIMELINE OF UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING DETAILS ATTACK, MANHUNT FOR SUSPECT
Mourners pay respects to Charlie Kirk at a memorial outside of Turning Point USA HQ in Phoenix, Sept. 15, 2025. (Jamie Vera/Fox News)
«If we receive complaints about your school, we will fully and fairly investigate those complaints subject to the authority of our respective offices,» the state attorneys general wrote. «Our offices are committed to ensuring that all our state entities, including our public colleges and universities, follow the Constitution.»
Conservative nonprofits, including President of Parents Defending Education Nicole Neily, celebrated that the AGs’ calls for better protecting free speech is the ideal way to honor Kirk’s legacy.
«This is a moment for leadership, and we are deeply grateful that the nation’s attorneys general are using their authority to remind university administrators of their sacred obligation to protect free speech and open discourse on college campuses,» she said. «I can think of no better way to honor Charlie’s legacy than through ensuring that students voices cannot be silenced by fear or malice.»
Will Hild, the executive director for Consumers’ Research, a longtime nonprofit dedicated to consumer information, lauded Bird for leading the charge on ending the «assassin’s veto.»
«By sustaining the assassin’s veto, these University bureaucrats are actively aiding Charlie’s murderer, using the threat of violence to cut off free debate,» Hild told Fox Digital. «Such a practice is not just antithetical to everything Charlie Kirk represented but to the very principles of America. Attorney General Bird’s leadership in rallying states’ top law enforcement officers to oppose the Assassin’s Veto in all its forms is encouraging and should be emulated by others. Last week’s atrocity should be a turning point for every American campus.»
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Kirk’s funeral is scheduled for Sunday in Arizona and is expected to be attended by President Donald Trump and other administration leaders.
politics,college,first amendment,education,charlie kirk
INTERNACIONAL
Ciattarelli unloads on Mikie Sherrill in NJ town hall, citing immigration and Naval Academy: ‘Not a centrist’
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New Jersey GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli called out his opponent, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., during a town hall Saturday, branding her out of step with the Garden State on immigration, policing, taxes and ethics.
«She wants you to believe she’s a Jersey girl. She’s not. She wants you to believe she’s a centrist. She’s not,» Ciattarelli told voters.
The remarks preview Ciattarelli’s closing argument in a tight race for the state’s top post, as he seeks to define Sherrill by tying her to national Democrats and controversies over immigration enforcement, policing and left-wing allies. Both campaigns have been asked for comment.
Ciattarelli charged that Sherrill «supported Joe Biden’s open border policies» and «voted no on the Laken Riley Act.» Sherrill missed the Riley Act vote earlier this year but later said she would have voted no, arguing the measure was overly broad.
AFFORDABILITY TAKES CENTER STAGE IN NEW JERSEY GUBERNATORIAL RACE AS NOMINEES SPAR OVER SALES TAX
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli speaks during a town hall in Manchester Township, N.J., Saturday, as supporters look on. (Fox News)
He also accused her of backing policies on transgender athletes, saying «this mother of two daughters voted yes twice to allow biological boys to play in girls’ sports.» Sherrill in fact voted against GOP bills in 2023 and 2025 that would have banned transgender students from competing based on gender identity.
On immigration enforcement and policing, Ciattarelli said Sherrill «supports sanctuary cities» and «voted anti-police… looking to get rid of qualified immunity.» Sherrill has spoken favorably of New Jersey’s 2018 «Immigrant Trust Directive» and supported the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which sought to curtail qualified immunity and policy police unions opposed.
He also attacked the congresswoman’s opposition to the GOP’s 2025 «One Big Beautiful Bill Act,» which raised the SALT deduction cap to $40,000, expanded child credits and eliminated federal taxes on overtime and tips. Sherrill and all House Democrats voted no on the package.
TOP GUBERNATORIAL RACE ROCKED BY ALLEGATIONS OF LEAKS AND DIRTY TRICKS AMID IMPROPER MILITARY RECORDS RELEASE
Democrat Mikie Sherrill responds to questions during the first general election gubernatorial debate with Republican opponent Jack Ciattarelli, Sept. 21, in Lawrenceville, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Ethics featured prominently in Ciattarelli’s critique. He reminded voters Sherrill paid a fine under the STOCK Act after disclosing stock trades late and noted her household traded shares in defense companies while she sat on the House Armed Services Committee, though she divested individual holdings in 2019.
He also covered recent reports that Sherrill was disciplined in the 1994 Naval Academy cheating scandal for failing to report classmates, which barred her from walking at graduation even though she was commissioned.
Beyond the policy contrasts, Ciattarelli sought to cast Sherrill as aligned with the left.
Reporting shows she welcomed support from Zohran Mamdani, the socialist nominee for New York City mayor, saying she shared his voters’ goal of «throwing out the old playbook.» Republicans labeled the embrace «disqualifying» and warned New Jerseyans could not afford such politics.
He also pointed to her remarks after the House voted to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk following his assassination. Sherrill said Kirk had «advocated for a Christian nationalist government and to roll back the rights of women and Black people,» while adding that the Constitution protects free speech «even for those I vehemently oppose.» Sherrill voted for the resolution.
Jack Ciattarelli, Republican candidate for governor of New Jersey, has been endorsed by President Donald Trump. (Mark Kauzlarich/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Throughout his remarks, Ciattarelli framed Sherrill as left-wing despite her record of caucusing with moderates. Sherrill once belonged to the centrist Blue Dog Coalition and is now a member of the New Democrat Coalition.
Ciattarelli, by contrast, leaned into his local roots, calling himself the «Jersey guy» and stressing that his family has lived and run businesses in the state for a century. «How about we elect the Jersey guy? Ciattarellis have been here for a hundred years… always will be,» he said.
Sherrill, a Navy helicopter pilot and Virginia native, was first elected in 2018 and has lived in Montclair with her family since 2010.
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Ciattarelli, a CPA and former assemblyman, was the GOP nominee for governor in 2021. Polls suggest their 2025 rematch is close.
Ciattarelli’s attacks showcase his strategy of portraying Sherrill as tied to national Democrats and ethically compromised while presenting himself as a homegrown alternative.
Fox News Digital has reached out to both campaigns for comment on Ciattarelli’s remarks and Sherrill’s past statements.
new jersey,politics,governors,2025 2026 elections coverage,democrats
INTERNACIONAL
La ciencia revela qué ocurre en el cerebro durante las experiencias cercanas a la muerte
Cuando una persona se aproxima al borde entre la vida y la muerte, el cuerpo experimenta una serie de cambios complejos. El corazón detiene su actividad normal, la sangre deja de circular de forma habitual y el cerebro se enfrenta a condiciones extremas. Estas circunstancias, lejos de significar un simple apagón, desencadenan un fenómeno conocido como experiencias cercanas a la muerte (ECM), donde la mente produce imágenes intensas, emociones profundas y una sensación de trascendencia que fascina tanto a científicos como a quienes atravesaron estos episodios.
De acuerdo con información publicada en Muy Interesante, un equipo liderado por la neurocientífica Charlotte Martial en la Universidad de Lieja propuso un modelo integral para explicar lo que sucede en el cerebro durante estos momentos.
El artículo, basado en un estudio difundido por Nature Reviews Neurology, señala que los investigadores consolidaron décadas de trabajos en neurobiología, psicología y farmacología para construir el modelo llamado NEPTUNE. Según los científicos, este modelo permite comprender de manera más coherente los mecanismos que se activan cuando el organismo entra en estado crítico, como después de un paro cardiaco.
Según los hallazgos, cuando el flujo sanguíneo disminuye y el oxígeno escasea, el cerebro inicia una fase de hiperactividad muy intensa, aunque breve. Esta situación genera un desequilibrio metabólico que provoca una liberación masiva de neurotransmisores.
Según los autores, sustancias como serotonina, dopamina, glutamato, noradrenalina, GABA, acetilcolina y endorfinas inundan el cerebro. Al mismo tiempo activan circuitos que producen una amplia variedad de sensaciones. Este proceso, de acuerdo con la investigación, resulta fundamental para entender por qué personas en estado crítico describen visiones de túneles de luz, encuentros con seres fallecidos o una sensación de absoluta paz y claridad.
Según el estudio, la serotonina aumenta en situaciones de hipoxia severa y, al interactuar con determinados receptores, puede provocar visiones comparables a las asociadas a algunas sustancias psicodélicas, como la psilocibina y el DMT. Esta relación permitiría explicar manifestaciones como los famosos túneles de luz, las percepciones de paisajes extraordinarios o los encuentros con entidades. Según el grupo dirigido por Martial, esta activación biomolecular se integra en una reacción organizada que depende de diversos factores personales y fisiológicos.
Además, de acuerdo con la información de la publicación, las endorfinas y el GABA contribuyen a generar sensaciones de calma, reducen el dolor y minimizan el miedo. Por otra parte, la dopamina intensifica el sentido emocional del episodio. Asimismo aportan una percepción de realidad innegable a lo que se experimenta. Otros neurotransmisores, como la acetilcolina y la noradrenalina, intervienen en la formación de recuerdos. Esta circunstancia permite a quienes pasaron por una ECM recordar cada escena con un nivel de detalle inusual, incluso si permanecieron clínicamente inconscientes durante el evento.
El modelo NEPTUNE, propuesto por Charlotte Martial y su equipo, sostiene que esta respuesta cerebral no surge de manera aleatoria. Según los investigadores, podría tratarse de una estrategia evolutiva de supervivencia, similar a la tanatosis observada en el reino animal.
En situaciones extremas, cuando ni la huida ni la lucha resultan viables, el cerebro activa un estado disociativo. Este mecanismo desconecta al individuo del sufrimiento físico y la percepción del entorno, pero mantiene cierta conciencia interna. De acuerdo con el artículo de Muy Interesante, esta reacción cerebral permitiría al ser humano soportar condiciones límite y, en algunos casos, sobrevivir si la situación médica se revierte.
El modelo también sugiere que no todas las ECM son positivas. Aunque la mayoría de testimonios recogen experiencias de paz y amor, existen episodios marcados por angustia, miedo e imágenes oscuras. Según la publicación, el estado emocional anterior, las creencias personales y las condiciones fisiológicas de cada paciente influyen en la calidad de la experiencia. Los científicos reconocen que todavía resulta necesario redactar estudios más profundos sobre los casos negativos.
En opinión del equipo de la Universidad de Lieja, el enfoque científico no pretende descartar los relatos subjetivos, sino analizarlos desde la perspectiva biológica. La investigación no plantea una división entre cuerpo y alma, ni propone la existencia de un más allá físico. Por el contrario, intenta demostrar cómo el cerebro humano, ante el colapso, fabrica experiencias trascendentes, organizadas y sensoriales que muchos describen como más reales que la propia vida.
El interés por comprender las ECM no solo abarca el campo científico, sino que también influye en el debate sobre el límite entre la vida y la muerte. De acuerdo con la información analizada, el modelo NEPTUNE proporciona una base coherente para explorar la conciencia humana en estados extremos y plantea nuevos interrogantes sobre la
luz al final del tunel,muerte
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Hungarian official touts ‘golden age’ of US relationship, credits Trump with boosting NATO and investment
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UNITED NATIONS — A Hungarian official sat down with Fox News Digital at the United Nations this week as his country is poised to follow the U.S. in declaring Antifa a terrorist organization. He said the move highlights the strengthening ties between the U.S. and Hungary now that the Biden administration has ended.
«I think this is another issue which shows that the current Trump administration and the government of Prime Minister [Viktor] Orbán are close to each other when it comes to major political issues,» Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó told Fox News Digital. «It was obvious that we do consider Antifa as an extremist organization, spreading an extremism ideology based on which they encourage their members and activists to attack innocent people. And this is simply unacceptable.»
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a strong ally of President Donald Trump, said in a radio interview on Sept. 19 that it was time for Budapest to follow «the American model,» according to The Associated Press.
TRUMP CALLS ANTIFA ‘TERRORIST GROUP,’ FUELING FIGHT OVER FREE SPEECH AND LIMITS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
Hungary could soon follow the U.S. in designating Antifa as a terrorist organization. (Thierry Monasse/Getty Images; Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images;)
Szijjártó also referenced an incident in 2023 in which Antifa activists assaulted individuals who they believed to be part of a far-right event in Budapest, the AP.
The outlet noted that one of the alleged assailants was Italian Antifascist activist Ilaria Salis, who has since become a member of the European Parliament, giving her immunity from prosecution. Szijjártó told Fox News Digital it was a «shame» that Hungary could not take legal action against her.
«The European Parliament has proved again that it is a super over-ideologized and over-politicized body [ruled] by the extremist, liberal, very aggressive extremist liberal mainstream,» he said.
While Hungary has called on the European Union to also declare Antifa a terrorist organization, Szijjártó told Fox News Digital that he has «less hope» that the EU will act.
EX-ANTIFA ACTIVIST PRAISES TRUMP’S DECISION TO LABEL GROUP DOMESTIC TERRORISTS
Agitators hold an Antifa flag at a prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk in Boston, Massachuseets, on Sept. 18, 2025. (Lauren Owens Lambert/Reuters)
As Hungary faces challenges in Europe, it is seeing an improved relationship with the U.S., with Szijjártó hailing it as a «golden age.»
«Under the Democrat administration, we Hungarians were considered as enemies. There was a very hostile approach by the Democrat administration,» Szijjártó said, referring to former President Joe Biden’s White House. «And since President Trump has been in office, this thing has totally, totally changed … We are basically experiencing the golden age of this U. S.-Hungary relationship.»
Hungary also backs Trump’s call for greater NATO spending as the alliance faces renewed pressure over recent incursions into the airspace of Denmark, Estonia and Poland. Some of the incidents have been connected to Russia.
When speaking with Fox News Digital, Szijjártó emphasized Hungary’s view of NATO as «a very important pillar of European security.»
NATO leaders seen posing for a photograph in June 2025. (Claudia Greco/Reuters)
ZELENSKYY SAYS TRUMP SHOWED HE WANTS TO SUPPORT UKRAINE ‘TO THE VERY END’
«We do hope that NATO will further strengthen in the future. We have agreed with the approach of President Trump arguing in favor of increasing the share of defense spending of the allies’ GDPs,» Szijjártó said.
Amid rising tensions between NATO and Russia, Hungary is uniquely aware of the dire risks of a confrontation between the two parties.
Hungary shares a border with Ukraine and has witnessed the impact of Kyiv’s war with Russia up close. Szijjártó cautioned that a showdown between NATO and Russia could spark World War III. However, Hungary sees Trump as a likely peacemaker in the region.
«President Trump is the only hope to make peace,» Szijjártó told Fox News Digital. He went on to say that the U.S.-Russia talks must continue to get the world to a stable place.
President Donald Trump walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
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«Whenever there is a civilized, high-level Russia-U.S. engagement, then the security situation of the world is improving. Whenever there is [a] lack of U.S.-Russia talks, then the global security situation deteriorates,» Szijjártó said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
donald trump,russia,nato,ukraine
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