The victim’s family lives with the image of death embedded in their eyes, tears streaking their cheeks as they scroll through hateful comments congratulating the loss. When did the world become so vicious?
A 22-year-old man named Tyler Robinson assassinated 31-year-old Charlie Kirk, political debater, on Sep. 10 in Orem, Utah, during a public debate. Kirk, well-known for his strong support of the right to own a gun, was shot in the neck while being questioned about gun violence. Robinson’s reasoning for assassinating Kirk: “I had enough of his hatred–some hatred can’t be negotiated out,” according to The Guardian.
Four shell casings were found with engraved messages: “Hey, fascist, Catch!” with up, right, and three down arrows; “NoTices Bulge OWO What’s This?”; lyrics from the song “Bella Ciao”; and “If you Read This, You Are GAY LMAO.”
Soon after Kirk’s death, numerous jokes and celebrations rose on the internet. Comments were flooding in with excitement, praise for the assassin, and, disturbingly enough, congratulations to his wife and daughter, saying they’re “better off without him.” It didn’t take long for written words to turn into angry, verbal arguments. Some believe he was a great Christian man with fantastic views; others think he was a terrible racist who deserved to die.
The most significant incident occurred on Sep. 21, at his memorial service, where people, conservative and liberal, paid their respects to his death, not his politics. Younger teens openly voiced how they didn’t understand why anyone would pay respects to someone with such “horrible views” online, only to be rebutted by political and religious points.
Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, has made multiple statements since his death. During his memorial, which was live-streamed on various platforms, Erika grieved over her husband and openly forgave Robinson for the assassination. Viewers accused her of faking her tears and not actually being upset about her loss. According to commenters, she seemed to be forcing out her tears and putting on a facade for those watching. Witnesses claim it felt more like a celebration than a funeral. “It didn’t feel like it was about Charlie,” said Ashlyn Diehl, sophomore.
Sympathy in society has only plummeted with Kirk’s death. Hateful comments and words about the murder don’t only come from those who live in the United States. The State Department found screenshots of six social media posts welcoming Kirk’s death in September. All six people, who were from different countries, had their visas revoked, meaning they are no longer allowed to enter the country. “The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans,” The State Department posted on X.
