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Charlie Kirk’s murder the latest in increasing political violence nationwide, from PA governor to SCOTUS

Charlie Kirk’s murder the latest in increasing political violence nationwide, from PA governor to SCOTUS

Before Charlie Kirk was gunned down on a Utah college campus, political violence was already increasing domestically, from President Donald Trump‘s attempted assassination to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion being attacked by an arsonist during Passover Seder. Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck by a yet-unknown assassin as he addressed a massive crowd at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Kirk’s death sparked international outrage and mourning from figures including Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. CHARLIE KIRK PAINTED AS ‘CONTROVERSIAL,’ ‘PROVOCATIVE’ IN MEDIA’S ASSASSINATION COVERAGE “Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom,” said Netanyahu, who called Kirk a “lion-hearted friend of Israel” who had been planning a trip to the Holy Land before he was assassinated. Trump has faced two assassination attempts in recent years. Ryan Routh, the suspect in the second alleged attempt, is currently in court in Fort Pierce, Fla., after he allegedly staked out a nearby golf course on which Trump was playing. In 2024, Trump was shot in the ear by Thomas M. Crooks while he addressed a rally in Butler County, Pa. Crooks, who had traveled from a Pittsburgh suburb, was shot dead by law enforcement, and Trump said he would have been killed if he hadn’t turned his head at the last second to describe a graphic on illegal immigration statistics. CHARLIE KIRK SHOOTING LEADS TO OUTPOURING FROM UTAH OFFICIALS, 2025 NOMS ON BOTH SIDES Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a likely 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, was allegedly targeted in another attack earlier this year. A man later identified as Cody Balmer of Dauphin County allegedly hopped a security fence, eluding Shapiro’s detail. Shapiro, Pennsylvania first lady Lori Shapiro, their four kids and another family were in the governor’s mansion after just celebrating Passover hours before with members of Harrisburg’s Jewish community. While no one was injured in the blaze, the historic home was severely damaged. “I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here last night. I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love.” Balmer’s voter registration was “unaffiliated,” according to The Associated Press, citing Pennsylvania State Police officials who also described the suspect’s use of Molotov cocktails and prior criminal charges. Charged with terrorism, attempted murder and other offenses, Balmer allegedly walked an hour from nearby Penbrook to the governor’s mansion, at the far end of Front Street from the State Capitol. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP After Kirk was shot, Shapiro condemned the attack, saying that Americans “must speak with moral clarity.” “The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying and this growing type of unconscionable violence cannot be allowed in our society,” Shapiro said. While running for governor in neighboring New York in 2022, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin was attacked onstage at a campaign event in Perinton, outside Syracuse. Zeldin, joined by running mate Alison Esposito, was addressing rallygoers when a man identified as David Jakubonis walked on stage sporting a blunt object and shouted to the Republican: “You’re done.” Zeldin, a veteran of the Iraq War, quickly grabbed the man’s wrist and a short scuffle ensued, leaving him with what was described as a “scrape.” After Jakubonis was subdued, Zeldin finished his speech. In 2022, Louisville Democratic Mayor Craig Greenberg and several campaign staffers were attacked by a gun-wielding assailant later allegedly identified as a social justice activist who was running for Metro Council in Kentucky’s largest city. Quintez Brown was later sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to several charges, according to the Justice Department. Several shots were fired in the incident, and Greenberg’s clothing was grazed by a bullet, but there were no further injuries. Brown allegedly wanted to kill Greenberg to prevent him from winning the election, according to The Associated Press. On June 8, 2022, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was allegedly targeted by a California man upset with the ruling overturning Roe v. Wade via the Dobbs decision, as well as recent mass shooting incidents in the U.S. Nicholas Roske planned to break into Kavanaugh’s Chevy Chase, Maryland, home and kill him before killing himself, according to reports. When Roske arrived in the tony Washington suburb, he was noticed by U.S. Marshals stationed at the jurist’s home and left the scene before being arrested.

Trump to award Charlie Kirk Medal of Freedom after campus assassination

Trump to award Charlie Kirk Medal of Freedom after campus assassination

President Donald Trump said Thursday he will award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, after the conservative personality was shot and killed on a university campus on Wednesday.  “I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The day of the ceremony will be announced, and I can only guarantee you one thing. That we will have a very big crowd. Very, very big.” Speaking at a Pentagon ceremony, Trump described Kirk as “a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.” He added that the ceremony date would be announced soon, but promised “a very big crowd. Very, very big.” “I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on,” Trump said. CHARLIE KIRK PAINTED AS ‘CONTROVERSIAL,’ ‘PROVOCATIVE’ IN MEDIA’S ASSASSINATION COVERAGE Kirk, 31, co-founded the conservative student group Turning Point USA in 2012 and built it into one of the most influential youth organizations on the political right. Known for his fiery campus appearances and a massive social media presence, Kirk was a staunch supporter of Trump and a frequent critic of liberal institutions. Kirk was speaking at a “Prove Me Wrong” debate at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, an event where he invited students to challenge his political and cultural views.  A shot rang out around noon local time on Wednesday, and Kirk fell from his chair.  The shooter remains at large, though the weapon has been recovered. Event organizers estimate some 3,000 people had been in attendance at the school.  The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor. It is awarded to individuals who have made “especially meritorious” contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural and public endeavors.  Kirk would join a list of recipients from presidents, lawmakers and foreign leaders to athletes, entertainers and human rights figures.  ‘DARK MOMENT FOR AMERICA’: TRUMP DECLARES CHARLIE KIRK’S VOICE ‘BIGGER AND GRANDER’ AFTER ASSASSINATION Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also commemorated Kirk during the wreath laying ceremony to mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  “The young soldiers who take the oath give me hope. The young cops who wear the badge give me hope. The young firefighters answered the call. Give me hope. The young agents who patrol our border give me hope. The life example and even death of Christ follower, American patriot Charlie Kirk give me hope,” he said.  “Sheer courage, no matter the arena. Charlie, we love you know that you have heard the Lord’s words. Well done, good and faithful servant. Full heart, clear eyes.” On Wednesday after the shooting, Trump called it a “dark day for America.”  “It’s a long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year,” he said.  “For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals.” In death, Trump said, “Charlie’s voice has become bigger and grander than ever before.”