Dean Withers, the 21-year-old political commentator and livestreamer, has captured the internet’s attention once again — this time for his raw and heartfelt reaction to the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Cried on his livestream

Known for his articulate debates with conservatives on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, Withers rose to prominence in 2023.

The Grand Junction, Colorado native has since built a massive following: over 4.3 million TikTok fans, 346,000 YouTube subscribers, and nearly 18 million views on his videos. Many remember him for viral clips such as “Can 1 Woke Teen Survive 20 Trump Supporters?” which alone has racked up 17 million views.

Once raised in a conservative household, Withers underwent a dramatic ideological shift after engaging in debates with left-leaning individuals and conducting his own research.

Today, he champions liberal causes, from social justice and LGBTQ+ rights to reproductive freedoms, often facing off with figures like Charlie Kirk in well-researched, respectful debates.

The heartfelt reaction

In the wake of Kirk’s death on September 10, 2025, Withers posted a deeply emotional TikTok video that has since gone viral, amassing over 10 million views.

In it, he told his audience:

“I’m sad, distraught. In fact, I just cried in front of my livestream in front of 250,000 people.”

He condemned the violence that took Kirk’s life, saying:

“Gun violence is always disgusting, always vile and always abhorrent.”

Withers concluded by sending his thoughts and prayers to Kirk’s family and to those who witnessed the tragic event at Utah Valley University.

Despite their frequent ideological clashes, Withers’ response struck a chord across the political spectrum, reminding fans that respect and humanity can transcend political differences — even in moments of tragedy.

As the nation continues to process the shocking assassination, Withers’ heartfelt reaction is being widely shared, proving once again the power of empathy in a divided digital world.

The assassination

Charlie Kirk was in the middle of one of his signature “prove me wrong” debates during a talk when a person dressed in dark clothing appeared on a nearby roof and fired a single shot, striking him in the carotid artery.

The FBI are still looking for the shooter. Two individuals were initially taken into custody but were later released after authorities confirmed they had ”no ties” to the attack.

Known for his staunch pro-Trump views and traditional values, Kirk frequently engaged in spirited debates at colleges nationwide as part of his American Comeback Tour. He had previously faced opposition at UVU, where a petition to bar him from campus gathered more than 7,000 signatures.

He leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, their three-year-old daughter, and a 16-month-old son.