The killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has prompted an outpouring of tributes from supporters — and, in some cases, disturbing celebrations or dismissive remarks from political figures and public employees that have drawn scrutiny.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), speaking to progressive outlet Zeteo, scoffed at suggestions that Kirk’s core mission was civil political debate. “There are a lot of people who are talking about him [Kirk] just wanting to have a civil debate,” Omar said.
“These people are full of s— and it’s important for us to call them out while we feel anger and sadness.”
She pointed to Kirk’s past opposition to recognizing Juneteenth and his comments on George Floyd as examples of rhetoric she considered harmful.
“There is nothing more f—ed up than to pretend that his words and actions haven’t been recorded and in existence for the last decade or so,” Omar added.
Omar is also taking heat for the public perception that she grinned while discussing Charlie Kirk’s death and she blamed the right for strongly disagreeing with the radical left. She appeared in a podcast with Mehdi Hassan.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot Wednesday during a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, in front of an estimated 3,000 attendees. The suspect remains at large.
Other Democrats also weighed in. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker suggested President Donald Trump’s rhetoric bore responsibility.
“Political violence unfortunately has been ratcheting up in this country,” Pritzker said, citing the recent killing of Minnesota’s Democratic House speaker. “I think there are people who are fomenting it in this country — I think the president’s rhetoric often foments it.”
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) offered a more even-handed assessment, saying political rhetoric “from both sides” can lead to violence.
“Political violence is never the answer. It divides us,” Kelly told CNN. “But also, I’ve got to say, political rhetoric, too, from both sides, often gets out of hand and it incites people to do things like this.”
Beyond elected officials, multiple public servants and employees in government and education have come under investigation for remarks applauding Kirk’s death.
A U.S. Secret Service agent, Anthony Pough, posted on social media: “If you are mourning this guy .. delete me. He spewed hate and racism on his show.”
Pough has since been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) called for that person’s termination.
“The agency will not tolerate any behavior which violates our code of conduct,” a spokesperson said.
A Marine Corps recruiter was fired after posting a photo of Kirk with the caption: “Another racist man popped.” A battalion chief with the Toledo Fire Department is also under investigation after describing the assassination as “totally preventable and avoidable if not for the policies and beliefs of people like [Kirk],” and writing, “Wish the guy was a better shot.”
Kirk leaves behind his wife and two young children. Vigils have been held in Utah and at Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Phoenix, where mourners gathered with flowers, candles, and flags.
Law enforcement continues its manhunt for the rooftop sniper who fired the fatal shot, with the FBI offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.