Part 3/12:
Prominent figures quickly expressed their condolences and condemned the violence. Donald Trump released a heartfelt statement calling Charlie Kirk a patriot and martyr for free speech, emphasizing that this was a dark day for America. The former president underscored that the attack was a direct consequence of decades of political rhetoric demonizing opponents, comparing figures like Kirk to Nazis, and fomenting hostility—especially from the left.
President Trump’s speech was unambiguous, referencing the rise of political violence as a tragic outcome of hateful speech and demonization. He stressed that the perpetrator's act was meant to silence free debate and expressed the need to confront and root out the kind of violent rhetoric that has increasingly characterized political discourse.