Just after noon today right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at a large rally at the Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. It’s believed that about 3,000 people attended the outdoor rally. At a short press conference following the tragedy, Governor Spencer Cox (R) said that we “have a person in custody that is being questioned.” However, news reports since that press conference ended said the person in custody has been arrested for the assassination of Mr. Kirk. Governor Cox reminded the public that Utah does have the death penalty – by firing squad.
“This is a dark day for our state. A tragic day for the nation,” the Utah Governor said. He observed that our nation is celebrating 250 years of our nation’s experiment. If anyone is celebrating this death, look into the mirror for a better angel.” At the short televised press conference, it was revealed that it was a targeted, one shot that came from a nearby roof top about 500 feet away that killed Mr. Kirk. At 31 years of age, he leaves behind a wife and two young chldren. It has been disclosed that security was limited for the rally.
Mr. Kirk was from Illinois, but most recently lived in Arizona. He co-founded “Turning Point USA” in 2012 of which he was the executive director.
Governor Janet T. Mills (D) issued the following statement late this afternoon: “In America, differing views – regardless of who holds them and how much you may detest them – should never be met with violence. I am horrified by what has happened to Charlie Kirk.”
It has been ordered by the Governor that the US and State of Maine flags be lowered to half-staff until sunset on September 14th.
In a report on cable news this evening around 8:00 pm, it was stated that the individual in custody referred to above has been released following his interrogation. So, the assassin of Mr. Kirk is on the loose – presumably somewhere in Utah.
What steps will the President take to retract and dial down his inflammatory rhetoric that leads to events like today’s assassination of Mr. Kirk ?