He wanted to bail him out because he believed he was a left-wing lunatic. He wanted people to interview and get information form him, especially during that time when many conspiracy theories were being spread.
Kirk represents the politics of almost half the USA. He wasn't even radical. This group cleanly won a democratic election and will, especially after today, probably sweep 2026.
If you think you're justified killing a democratic majority/plurality, you should entertain the idea that you're actually not the good anti-fascists you think you are.
In the context of the quote, he clearly didn't know what empathy means. He said he prefers the term "sympathy" (likely not really knowing the distinct definition of either one).
He was actually supporting empathy in the full context, saying that Democrats were running astray from Bill Clinton's messaging utilizing empathy/sympathy.
How do you know the 3 students shot weren't also assholes?