Straight from You: Why isn’t Kirk’s suspected killer charged with terrorism?
From questions about Charlie Kirk’s assassination to Egypt’s stance on Gaza — and even the ethics of bringing back extinct species — we’re not just delivering headlines. We’re listening.
Introducing Straight From You: our new segment where we tackle the questions on your mind, the stories you’re not seeing elsewhere and the context you’ve been asking for.
You said:
The question:
What makes an act terrorism under US law?
SAN answer:
A viewer argued the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination should face terrorism or hate crime charges. So far, Utah prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder, causing bodily injury with a firearm and obstruction of justice, according to court documents. The aggravated murder charge is death penalty eligible.
Legal experts told Politico that federal charges apply only in narrow circumstances, such as killings on federal property, assassinations of federal officials, or hate crimes tied to race, religion or other protected characteristics. Politics is not a protected class, those experts noted.
According to Politico, there is also no federal domestic terrorism statute despite years of debate about whether one should be created. Prosecutors could still add charges later if investigators uncover evidence of bias against a protected group or other federal violations.
For now, the case remains in state court, with the FBI assisting Utah authorities.
You said:
The question:
Could Egypt resettle Palestinians from Gaza?
SAN answer:
Another viewer suggested Egypt could give Gazans land in Sinai. Egypt has repeatedly rejected resettlement in Sinai. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has warned that forcing Palestinians into Sinai would uproot them and undercut any future state.
Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, has reaffirmed that the Rafah crossing is for humanitarian aid, not relocation. Officials argue that resettlement would destabilize Egypt and strip Palestinians of their land claims. Public opinion in Egypt is also strongly opposed.
Earlier this year, Egypt and Jordan rejected a U.S. proposal to permanently take Gazans, according to Voice of America, stressing that Palestine’s future must remain tied to Palestinian soil. Chatham House analysis adds that Cairo fears a mass expulsion could destabilize its border and invite new security threats, while also undermining Palestinian statehood.
So while Egypt does have space, the political red line has been clear for years: no permanent resettlement outside Gaza.
You said:
The question:
What is the benefit of bringing back extinct animals? Could it be dangerous?
SAN answer:
One viewer asked whether bringing back extinct animals like the dodo could be dangerous. Scientists cited in CNN’s reporting emphasize feasibility limits and priorities, warning high-profile projects can siphon attention from protecting at-risk species.
Texas-based Colossal Biosciences told CNN it has grown pigeon primordial germ cells — an important step toward avian reproduction work. The company says it plans to edit genes in Nicobar pigeons, the dodo’s closest living relative, and use genetically altered chickens as surrogates. CNN reports the first hatchlings could arrive within five to seven years. The Herald Sun reports a long-term aim of releasing thousands into protected reserves in Mauritius.
But experts stress this will not be a “true” resurrection. Any future bird would be a hybrid, sharing some dodo traits but not the extinct species itself. Conservation biologists interviewed by CNN warn the core risk is misallocated focus — splashy de-extinction projects overshadow urgent work on species that still exist.
Colossal argues its research has broader benefits. The company says the same genetic tools could help endangered birds fight disease, adapt to climate change or expand genetic diversity in shrinking populations. Supporters see de-extinction as a way to push science forward; critics warn it is no substitute for habitat protection.
Keep dropping comments, asking questions and SAN will tackle the biggest ones next week.
The post Straight from You: Why isn’t Kirk’s suspected killer charged with terrorism? appeared first on Straight Arrow News.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
