Obama Faces Backlash Over Statement Following Charlie Kirk Shooting
Former President Barack Obama has come under criticism after releasing a statement in response to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA.
Kirk was killed on Wednesday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Following the tragedy, Obama shared condolences online, writing:
“We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
While the message was intended as sympathy, critics quickly accused the former president of being “tone deaf” in his response.
During an appearance on Fox News, media personality Clay Travis argued that political rhetoric in recent years has fueled hostility. He claimed that harsh language against conservatives and former President Donald Trump has emboldened extremists.
“You cannot label people as fascists or Nazis for years, and then when violence happens, act surprised. Words have consequences,” Travis said, expressing anger over the shooting.
Other conservative voices echoed similar frustrations, suggesting that divisive language in politics contributes to a dangerous climate.
At the same time, several Democratic leaders, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, condemned the violence and expressed shock over the attack.
The FBI has released images of a “person of interest” connected to the shooting, but no official motive has been confirmed at this time.
