“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” an audience member asked Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, who spoke at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10.
“Too many,” Kirk responded.“Counting or not counting gang violence?”
Kirk was fatally shot seconds later.
Kirk was shot in the neck outside the Sorensen Center courtyard during his first debate on his American Comeback Tour, organized by Turning Point USA. He was the co-founder and president of Turning Point USA, a nationwide movement promoting conservative values on college campuses.
The search for Kirk’s shooter is underway. Earlier today, the FBI released images of a person of interest in Kirk’s murder, offering a $100,000 reward for information.
As student journalists, we have a responsibility to address the dangers of gun violence and political violence, especially when it takes place on a college campus.
We, at The Setonian, believe that gun and political violence are unacceptable, and violence, in general, is never the answer.
We acknowledge that Kirk was a controversial political figure whose beliefs people may not always agree with.
Although people in our country have the right to disagree with Kirk, it does not justify his murder. The United States is supposed to be a country where people can voice their opinions and beliefs without the fear of being killed for it.
This is not something that should be normalized.
Kirk is not the only recent victim of gun violence. Yesterday, a shooting took place at Evergreen High School in Colorado. At least two students were left with gunshot wounds. The event took place an hour after Kirk was shot, according to CNN. In June, Melissa Hortman, a Democratic Minnesota representative, and her husband fell victim to gun violence as well.
While many people took the time to remember Kirk’s life on social media yesterday, they forgot to recognize the children who face gun violence in schools every year, and other political figures who have recently passed away at the hands of a gun. Yes, Kirk was a father and husband, and the loss of his life is devastating to many, but we’re forgetting the point that innocent people are also losing their lives to gun violence every day. This is not talked about enough.
In 2023, nearly 47,000 people died in 2023 due to gun violence in the United States—the highest annual total on record. Gun violence is an issue that affects everyone, not just famous political figures or celebrities. Many people face gun violence every day.
We need to recognize every case of gun violence because we desperately need change in the United States. Violence does not prevent more violence from happening.
How many more horrific shootings need to take place for something to be done about gun laws?
Why does it take the death of one political figure to get people to care about gun violence?
Gun violence should not be dividing our country politically; it should be bringing us together. There is too much distraction that comes with the divide of our country, which makes us forget the point of democracy. No political party is to blame in this situation. We should be coming together and fighting for change, to protect one another and our futures.
For those who are affected by the videos posted online of Kirk getting shot, please reach out to SHU resources for support. Reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 973-761-9500, or call the 24-hour emergency number at 973-275-HELP (4375) for a psychological emergency. Students also have access to Uwill, an online teletherapy resource.
The Voice is intended to best represent the collective opinion of The Editorial Board. It is written by The Setonian’s Editor-in-Chief.
