One of CNN’s biggest stars revealed what he called a “shocking” message he received from slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk just one day before his assassination.
Now, he’s imploring everyone to read Kirk’s words carefully.
CNN analyst Van Jones revealed late last week that Kirk reached out to him with an invitation just one day before a gunman killed the Turning Point USA founder at Utah Valley University.
Jones shared the direct message on X that Kirk sent him September 9.
The stunning message was a result of a heated public dispute the pair had over race and crime.
Both Kirk and Jones been trading barbs on television and social media after Kirk claimed a Ukrainian refugee’s killing showed anti-white hatred, Jones wrote in his CNN article.
But Jones revealed that Kirk’s final message to him was one of civility.
“Hey, Van, I mean it, I’d love to have you on my show to have a respectful conversation about crime and race,” Kirk wrote in the message.
“I would be a gentleman as I know you would be as well. We can disagree about the issues agreeably.”
Take a look —
The day before he was horrifically murdered, Charlie Kirk sent me a direct message on X.
Unfortunately, before I could even respond, Charlie Kirk was killed — seemingly assassinated for the words he'd spoken.
I've taken issue with many of those words — sometimes strongly — but… pic.twitter.com/l3L8AhLeAi
— Van Jones (@VanJones68) September 20, 2025
Unfortunately, to Jones’ admission, he never got the chance to respond.
Jones quickly condemned the assassination.
“Today’s attack on Charlie Kirk is absolutely horrifying and heartbreaking. He fought with words not weapons,” Jones tweeted that afternoon.
Jones wrote that Kirk’s final message proved the Turning Point USA founder wanted dialogue, not division.
Jones wrote an op-ed published by CNN criticizing those using Kirk’s death to call for violence or censorship.
“When our public dispute started going sideways, what was Kirk’s response? He pushed for more conversation, not more silencing or censorship. He pushed for more civility, not more stridency or venom,” Jones wrote.
“Whatever you think of Kirk’s legacy, that simple fact is commendable — and it’s something that everyone should uphold and seek to replicate,” Jones continued in a plea to readers.
“If you are on the Right, please don’t give up on open debate and dialogue. Charlie didn’t. I won’t. And I make the same plea to folks on the Left.”