Violence Has No Place in Our Democracy
I am appalled and deeply saddened by the killing of Charlie Kirk. This act of political violence shocks the conscience. More importantly, it should never have happened. Although I strongly disagree with his politics, I cannot ignore that a husband, a father, a son, and a friend was taken from his loved ones. Violence has no place in our democracy.
What Happened in Utah
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk—a conservative activist and close ally of Donald Trump—was shot and killed during a Turning Point USA event in Utah. A single bullet struck him while he addressed a crowd, and he later died from his injuries. Because of the circumstances, the FBI and state officials launched an immediate investigation.
Leaders from both major parties condemned the act within hours. Republicans and Democrats alike lowered flags, called for unity, and reminded the nation that political disagreements must never end in violence. Their swift response matters, because it reinforces that free speech is a right all Americans must protect.
Rescue Our Democracy’s Position
Rescue Our Democracy rejects political violence in every form. When bullets replace dialogue, democracy itself suffers. That is why we say without hesitation: violence has no place in our democracy.
Charlie Kirk once claimed that empathy was “fake.” I see it differently. My Christian therapist has told me that I am an empath—not in the new-age sense, but as someone who feels other people’s emotions and pain deeply. Because of that, I grieve for Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika, for their two children, and for the many family members and friends now in mourning. My empathy is real, and today it hurts for those left behind.
A Time for Empathy and Unity
This moment should shock every American. However, we cannot let violence harden our hearts or normalize political hatred. Instead, we must commit to listening, learning, and protecting each other’s right to speak freely.
I grieve for Charlie Kirk’s family, and I pray they find comfort during this loss. His death is not only a personal tragedy—it also wounds the conscience of our nation. Therefore, we must use this moment to strengthen, not weaken, our shared democratic values.
Moving Forward Without Violence
We cannot build a stronger democracy if violence becomes our answer. Instead, let us recommit ourselves to compassion, to protecting free speech, and to rejecting hate in all its forms. Most of all, let us stand together and declare clearly: violence has no place in our democracy.
I am appalled and deeply saddened by the killing of Charlie Kirk. This shocking act of political violence should never have happened. No matter how strongly I may disagree with his politics, I cannot ignore that a husband, a father, a son, and a friend was taken from his loved ones. Political violence has no place in our democracy.
What Happened in Utah
Charlie Kirk—a prominent conservative activist and close ally of Donald Trump—was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, during a Turning Point USA event in Utah. Authorities confirmed that he was struck by a single bullet while speaking to a crowd, and he later died from his injuries. The FBI and state officials are investigating.
Leaders across the political spectrum, from Republicans to Democrats, immediately condemned this horrifying act. Their reactions remind us that no matter our ideology, free speech cannot be answered with violence.
Rescue Our Democracy’s Position
Rescue Our Democracy denounces political violence in every form. Free expression—whether we agree with the message or not—must be protected. When violence replaces dialogue, democracy itself suffers.
Charlie Kirk once said that empathy was “fake.” I see it differently. My Christian therapist has told me that I am an empath—not in the new-age sense, but as someone who feels other people’s pain deeply and intuitively. And today, I feel sorrow for Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika, for their two children, and for the family and friends mourning him. My empathy is real, and it breaks for those left behind.
A Time for Empathy and Unity
This moment should shock us all. We cannot allow violence to harden our hearts or normalize hatred in our politics. Whether Republican, Democrat, Independent, or otherwise, we share the responsibility of protecting life and defending democracy.
I grieve for Charlie Kirk’s family, and I pray they find comfort in their time of loss. His death is not just a personal tragedy for those who loved him—it is a wound in the conscience of our nation.
Moving Forward Without Violence
We cannot build a stronger future for democracy if violence is the path we choose. Instead, let us recommit ourselves to compassion, to protecting free speech, and to rejecting hate in all its forms. Violence has no place in our democracy, and it never will.
I’m actually crying as I put this together, right now.
Judy T.