Marxism vs Individual Terrorism

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is another example of rising terrorist tendencies in the United States. Some on the Left are celebrating Kirk’s demise, but what is the position of communists? While we share the disgust felt towards this right-wing demagogue, we disagree with the idea that we can defeat the ruling class and their representatives through individual terrorist acts. The following talk was given in February 2025 by Julien Arseneau of the RCP executive, laying out the communist position on individual terrorism. It was in the midst of the alleged murder of United Healthcare's CEO by Luigi Mangione, and the widespread public sympathy for Luigi. The explanation we gave at the time remains entirely relevant to the current events in the U.S.