Sen. Lankford Discusses Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s Death
Republican Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma appeared on CNN’s “Arena” with host Cassie Hunt on Thursday to address the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s murder on Wednesday afternoon.
Following Kirk’s tragic death, there has been an online backlash against some Democrats who seemingly responded with approval. During the segment, Hunt showcased clips of Republican figures like Alex Jones, Steve Bannon, and Jesse Watters, prompting Lankford to consider whether they viewed Kirk’s death as emblematic of larger conflicts. Lankford responded by noting that he had seen a fuller version of one clip. He pointed out that it said, “We’re at war,” alongside a sentiment of continuing the fight as Kirk did. But he cautioned that these clips might not fully capture the broader context, emphasizing that there is significant division within the country.
“It feels somewhat reminiscent of 1968, with campus violence and assassinations. As a nation, we are looking at each other and asking, ‘How can we move forward?’ We need to have strong opinions, but also constructive conversations,” Lankford remarked.
Kirk was engaging with students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when he was shot roughly 20 minutes after the event. Although he was initially stable after being rushed to the hospital, he ultimately did not survive his injuries.
Some Democrats have posited that Kirk’s political convictions might have contributed to the circumstances of his death, while others have pointed to President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and the broader climate among Republicans as factors fueling political violence.
Lankford described Kirk as “candid” about his beliefs, often mingling with those who held opposing views. “He was very open, engaging with conservatives, but when talking with progressives, he was more humble and willing to listen. He encouraged sharing ideas and having serious dialogues,” Lankford noted. “His interactions were rooted in a desire to discuss tough topics, which is something we really need more of.”
Concerns about political violence have escalated in the past year, particularly following an assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. During a campaign rally, Trump was targeted by a shooter, narrowly escaping injuries while a volunteer firefighter was tragically killed.
A short time later, on September 15, 2024, Secret Service agents discovered a suspect armed with an AK-47-style rifle at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
In addition, Democratic Minnesota Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in their home in June. Further, self-identified socialists supporting the Black Lives Matter movement set fire to the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
