Regardless of political affiliation or personal viewpoints, political leaders at the state and federal levels continue condemning the fatal shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk on Wednesday.
Political figures like President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, the US and Kansas legislative delegations have condemned the shooting on the Republican side. So have Democrats like Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and other Democrat governors and lawmakers.
Kirk, the founder of the conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA, was shot dead at Utah Valley University, shortly after starting a public conversation at an outdoor amphitheater on campus. Ironically, Kirk was shot almost immediately after answering a question on gun violence.
Longtime Emporia State University Social Sciences, Sociology and Criminology Professor Michael Smith says Wednesday’s shooting was “extremely targeted” and a political assassination.
With the law enforcement investigation ongoing and a suspect not in custody, Smith says people increasingly believe past political norms are breaking down. Kirk was a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, at one point saying it was worth some gun deaths to make sure the Second Amendment was available to protect other God-given rights, and his death comes while there is an ongoing undercurrent of people keeping guns if they feel the need to overthrow the government.
Kirk was also seen by conservatives as a champion of family values, but he also repeatedly made incendiary remarks about minorities. Smith believes social media is “inflaming” the increasingly-heated political atmosphere.
Unfortunately, while many people still say there is no place for violence in American politics, Smith says “people are just making space.”
According to ABC News, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is working with state and local law enforcement as the investigation continues, including asking the public for tips. Two people of interest were detained and questioned Wednesday before they were released.
Utah Valley University is closed through the upcoming weekend. Kirk’s appearance on the campus was the opening stop for a nationwide tour.
ABC News will have more information about the law enforcement investigation and political fallout from Kirk’s death. KVOE News will have local perspectives as they arise.
