United States faces critical juncture, Obama says, referencing the incidents of Charlie Kirk's alleged attack and Donald Trump
Former President Barack Obama Condemns Political Violence and Criticizes Current Administration Following Charlie Kirk's Killing
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has spoken out against political violence and criticized the current administration following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, one of the nation's largest political organizations, was attacked on February 28, 2023, at a college in Utah. Despite the police not officially confirming the case as a murder, Kirk later died from his injuries.
The 22-year-old suspect arrested in Kirk's killing made his first court appearance on charges including capital murder. Court documents released Tuesday indicate that the suspect admitted to shooting and killing Kirk.
Obama expressed his condolences for Kirk and his family, stating that he disagreed with Kirk's stances, but mourned for him nonetheless. He also criticized the sentiment among Trump and his aides following Kirk's killing, calling it a 'politico' problem.
The former president believes that President Donald Trump has further divided the nation rather than working to bring people together. He urged citizens and elected officials to closely monitor the norm-busting decisions made by the current administration.
Obama compared his leadership following the 2015 slaying of nine Black parishioners at a Charleston, South Carolina church to that of Republican then-President George W. Bush following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He stated that political disagreements should not lead to violence, and that condemning such acts is necessary.
Obama also criticized the use of executive power by the current leadership, stating it disregards guardrails and norms that previous presidents, including George W. Bush, adhered to. He expressed concern over the recent deployment of National Guard troops in Washington and ID checks by federal agents in Los Angeles.
Following Kirk's killing, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called the shooting a 'political assassination.' Obama applauded Cox's calls for civility in leading the public response to the killing.
The White House has responded to Obama's remarks by blaming him for animosity in the country, calling him 'the architect of modern political division in America.' Obama, however, sees the role of a president in a crisis as constantly reminding people of the ties that bind them together.
In his post-presidency, Obama has kept a low profile, but addressed Trump's rhetoric and administrative actions during a recent event. He has stated that the United States is at an 'inflection point' and a 'dangerous moment' following Kirk's killing, and that political violence is anathema to a democratic country. He mentioned the shooting deaths of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband as another example of political violence that should be condemned.
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