Sen. Mark Kelly Urges End Political Violence After Multiple Fatal Attacks

Following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, lawmakers from both parties are condemning the rise of political violence in the United States. Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, whose wife Gabby Giffords survived a politically motivated assassination attempt in 2011, called Kirk's killing "horrifying" and emphasized that political violence has become more frequent and must end. Kelly reflected on the devastating impact on Kirk's family, including his two young children, and urged those in power to recognize the consequences of divisive language. Commentators have stressed that political violence, regardless of which side it comes from or targets, is unacceptable and that blaming entire political groups only fuels further conflict. The recent spate of attacks includes the killing of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and assassination attempts on President Donald Trump. Voices across the spectrum underscore the urgent need to de-escalate rhetoric and reject violence as a means of political expression.