Ilhan Omar’s Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s Death
On Thursday, Representative Ilhan Omar from Minnesota expressed her discontent regarding how some people remember Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, after his passing, labeling it as “F-Ed Up.” She made these remarks a day following his death, accusing him of being insensitive to significant issues like school shootings, George Floyd’s death, and the legacy of slavery.
Omar was vocal about her disagreement with the idea that Kirk fostered civil political discourse at universities by engaging in debates with those who opposed him. “Charlie once asserted that guns could save lives after school shootings occurred,” she noted during an interview with Medi Hasan. “He wanted to debate the circumstances surrounding George Floyd’s death at the hands of the police in Minneapolis, downplaying the experience of Black people in this country. He even dismissed slavery and made remarks that Juneteenth should not be recognized.”
“People like him are full of it,” Omar emphasized, stressing the importance of calling out such statements.
Kirk had been known for his strong Christian beliefs, frequently visiting college campuses nationwide to discuss his opposition to liberal politics. In a podcast interview, he expressed that he wanted to be remembered for his “courage” and faith.
The reactions to Kirk’s death have been mixed; some figures on the left have criticized him and laid blame on former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party for fostering political violence. After Trump pointed fingers at the “racial left” regarding the assassination, law enforcement found evidence suggesting a troubling connection with messages from pro-transgender and Antifa groups.
In an impactful move, Middle Tennessee State University fired former dean Laura Sosh Litesy for stating that Kirk deserved “no sympathy.” Charles HF Davis, a professor from the University of Michigan, referred to Kirk’s assassination as a “solution” to what he termed the “violent rhetoric” from influential figures. Additionally, political analyst Matthew Dowd was let go by MSNBC after he implied that Kirk’s words contributed to his own assassination.
Meanwhile, House Democrats expressed outrage when Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert requested that the Chamber of Commerce honor Kirk with prayers. House Speaker Mike Johnson took action to allow her request.
As of now, the suspect in Kirk’s assassination has not been apprehended, but the FBI has released a photo of a man wearing a black sweatshirt adorned with an American flag, along with a dark hat and sunglasses. Investigators located a powerful rifle believed to have been used in the attack in wooded areas nearby.
In a notable announcement, Trump stated that he would honor Kirk with the President’s Medal of Freedom, while Vice President JD Vance arranged for Kirk’s family and friends to travel on Air Force Two for the ceremony.
