January 1, Charlie Kirk Assassinated Amid Rising Political Violence

Wyatt’s Take

• Charlie Kirk killed at speaking event in Utah
• Assassination follows a string of targeted political violence
• Threats and attacks against conservatives reach alarming levels

The assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University is part of an alarming spike in political attacks across the country. Kirk, known for connecting with young conservatives, was killed while addressing supporters—echoing recent close calls against former President Trump.

Conservative voices have faced threats for years, with Kirk and his Turning Point USA organization standing at the center of heated confrontations. Violent opposition to their campus events has often replaced open debate.

“Kirk and Turning Point have been targeted for years by the left with violent attacks. Rather than debate TPUSA members (which is the premise of many of their displays), students have torn down the displays and abused their fellow students for holding opposing views,” legal expert Jonathan Turley posted.

Polling shows troubling attitudes: last year, nearly a third of Americans thought the murder of some public figures might be justified, with the numbers higher among those on the political left. More than half of left-leaning respondents said assassinating Trump would be “somewhat justified.” Similar numbers applied to Elon Musk, another conservative figure.

Kirk’s events were no stranger to danger. In 2022, a Texas teenager received five years in prison for threatening a Kirk-led convention. The young man posted online that it would be “the day of retribution the day I will have revenge against all of humanity.” Again in October, a teacher was arrested for sending threats toward Kirk and Donald Trump Jr. in Arizona; at last report, the case’s outcome was unconfirmed.

Turning Point events have attracted violent protestors. Last year, Kirk reported his staff was assaulted by demonstrators wielding a flagpole in Illinois. No arrests followed. At a California college, masked protestors smashed windows during a similar event. Two were arrested for vandalism and resisting police.

Political violence isn’t new in America, but its escalation is clear. In 2017, a man upset over Trump’s election opened fire on members of the Republican congressional baseball team, critically injuring Rep. Steve Scalise. Ever since, the willingness to use violence for political ends has only grown.

This ongoing threat is not just about one man or event—it’s about the dangerous new normal creeping into our society and threatening free speech for all.

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Wyatt Matters

The surge of political violence hits at the core values of law and order and respect for open discussion cherished throughout Middle America. Our communities know that freedom only thrives when all voices are safe to speak, no matter where you stand.