Utah Governor Denounces Political Violence After Charlie Kirk Murder

Utah Governor Spencer Cox strongly condemned the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, calling it a political assassination that threatens the foundations of American democracy and free expression. Cox announced the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Kirk's murder, and urged Americans to reject political violence and seek more civil discourse. He emphasized that violence is violence alone, rejecting the notion that words equate to violence, and highlighted the importance of finding an 'off-ramp' from escalating political hatred. Cox contrasted his calls for unity and respect with remarks from President Donald Trump, who, while condemning violence, minimized concerns about radicals on the right and did not acknowledge recent violent attacks against Democrats. The governor also pointed to other recent politically motivated violent incidents, including the murder of a Minnesota Democratic lawmaker and her husband, arson at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's home, and the attempted assassination of President Trump. Cox's message resonated as a plea for moral clarity and civility amid increasing political polarization and violence in the United States.