Pardon the Interruption
On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University, the first stop of his “Prove Me Wrong” tour. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, played a major role in mobilizing young conservatives and fueling the MAGA movement. Even Donald Trump acknowledged his influence in remarks last night, calling him “a martyr for truth and freedom” and praising his efforts to bring young people into politics.
Kirk was always a lightning rod. His speeches and online posts often pushed conspiracy theories and combative views. He labeled COVID-19 the “China Virus,” compared vaccines to apartheid, and promoted the “great replacement” theory. He railed against diversity, equity, and inclusion, while arguing that women should prioritize motherhood over careers.
Recently, he even declared that gun deaths were an acceptable price for preserving the Second Amendment: “I think it’s worth it… some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.” Moments before he was shot, Kirk was fielding a question about gun violence in America.
Watching the news coverage, I couldn’t help but feel unsettled—not only about his death, but about where this might lead. Trump’s response only deepened my concern. His words—“radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people and taken too many lives”—were less about healing and more about stoking anger. It’s hard not to ignore the possibility that this tragedy will fuel even greater division.
I texted my daughter, who is transgender, telling her to stay alert and aware of her surroundings. Her reply was simple but sobering: “It’s heating up.” That message, more than anything, captured the dread I was already feeling.
Sources:
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/charlie-kirk-gun-deaths-quote/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/charlie-kirk-controversies-1.7630859
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/us-politics/charlie-kirk-most-controversial-statements-b1247191.html
https://abcnews.go.com/US/total-shock-witness-fatal-charlie-kirk-shooting-recounts/story?id=125453787
https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-vlog-charlie-kirk-september-10-2025/
https://claytoonz.com/2025/09/10/sorry-charlie/
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