Barack Obama sends firm message to Americans as he speaks out on Charlie Kirk’s assassination

Last week in Utah, right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at an event hosted by his group, Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University. He was only 31 years old and was in the middle of answering audience questions during the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour” when the attack happened.

The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, later turned himself in to the police. He now faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, firing a gun illegally, hiding the weapon afterward, getting rid of his clothes, and trying to pressure his roommate to delete messages and stay quiet. He’s also accused of committing a violent crime while children were nearby.

In response, former President Barack Obama spoke about the killing while at an event in Pennsylvania. Obama said he did not personally know Kirk and disagreed with most of his views, but he still called the assassination “horrific” and “a tragedy.” He noted that Kirk leaves behind a wife, two young children, and many supporters who are now grieving. Obama urged Americans to show compassion during such painful moments and reminded people that respecting free speech—even speech we strongly dislike—is vital in a democracy.

Obama also criticized the rising hostility in U.S. politics, pointing out that leaders should focus on bringing people together, not fueling division. He warned that when politicians label their opponents as “vermin” or as enemies who must be destroyed, it makes an already tense situation worse.

The White House, however, dismissed Obama’s remarks, accusing him of contributing to political division himself. A spokesperson claimed that Obama set the tone years ago by encouraging Democrats to label their rivals with insulting terms like “deplorables,” “fascists,” or even “Nazis.”