Political violence is becoming more common
Image: Tess Crowley
More details have emerged regarding the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, which represents the latest in a series of violent acts targeting political figures from both parties in recent months.
What we know: After initially detaining and later releasing two persons of interest when it became clear neither of them were tied to the killing, FBI officials yesterday said they had obtained “good video footage” of the shooter, who “appears to be of college age.” They later released photos of the potential suspect, and are now offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the shooter’s arrest.
- Federal officials also revealed the discovery of a “high-powered, bolt-action rifle” in a wooded area where the shooter fled after firing at Kirk.
- According to multiple reports, an internal police bulletin said investigators also found three unspent rounds in the rifle’s magazine that were engraved with expressions of “transgender and anti-fascist ideology.”
- But some law-enforcement officials also cautioned that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, and the bulletin may not accurately reflect the messages on the ammo.
Kirk’s assassination is one of several recent attacks
- June 2025: Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband were killed at their home by an assailant impersonating a police officer. The same assailant also wounded state Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife in a similar attack.
- May 2025: Two Israeli embassy staffers were killed while leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, by a suspect who chanted “Free Palestine” as he was being arrested.
- April 2025: An arsonist set fire to the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) while the governor’s family was inside, with police saying the suspect staged the attack because he believed Shapiro’s stance on Gaza was killing Palestinians.
- December 2024: UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed on a sidewalk in Manhattan by an alleged shooter who carried an ideological disdain for the health care industry.
- Summer 2024: President Trump was the subject of two separate assassination attempts while on the campaign trail.
Big picture: Roughly three-quarters of Americans think politically-motivated violence is a major problem in the US (73%), and also that the issues that divide the nation pose a serious threat to democracy (76%), according to a NPR/PBS News/Marist poll that sourced responses in late June.
📊 Flash poll (long-form): What are your thoughts on the Charlie Kirk assassination and/or recent rise in political violence across America? The most thoughtful answers will be featured in Monday’s newsletter.
See a 360° view of what pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that too many Americans are abandoning the ideal behind the First Amendment—which Kirk himself strongly supported—and argue that Kirk’s death represents a moment to turn down the volume on political rhetoric, rather than keep perpetuating a cycle of vengeance or suspending personal liberties.
- Others contend that shooting someone for what they have to say is among the most un-American and evil acts that anyone can perpetrate, and that politicians should respond to Kirk’s shooting with strong public denunciations of violence to help strengthen norms against it.
- “Charlie Kirk’s Horrific Killing and America’s Worsening Political Violence” –NY Times Editorial Board
- “Free speech and ‘assassination culture’” –WaPo Editorial Board
- “Political violence will tear America apart” –Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editorial Board
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that Kirk’s assassination is another horrifying scene in a country that is heartsick of witnessing them, and all the more tragic given Kirk’s propensity for open debate—but it also provides an opportunity for President Trump to help America rise above this madness.
- Others contend that Kirk’s assassination is nothing less than an attack on the principle of free speech itself, which Kirk himself unequivocally stood for, and denounce those on the left who believe it’s reasonable to contest speech with deadly violence.
- “The Murder of Charlie Kirk” –WSJ Editorial Board
- “Charlie Kirk was all about DEBATE — this killing is an attack on free speech itself” –NY Post Editorial Board
- “Charlie Kirk and America’s era of political violence” –Dallas Morning News Editorial Board
Share this!
Recent Discussion stories
Discussion
| September 10, 2025America’s report card delivers a failing grade
America’s latest report card is in—and let’s just say, nobody’s putting this one on the fridge.
Discussion
| September 8, 2025August jobs report reveals slowing growth in US labor market
LinkedIn DMs are emptier than a college student's refrigerator during finals, according to the Labor Department’s latest jobs report.
Discussion
| September 5, 2025Bipartisan group seeks to ban stock trading in Congress
On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of House members announced an agreement on a new bill that would ban members of Congress from trading or owning stocks—an effort to prevent profiting from insider knowledge.
You've made it this far...
Let's make our relationship official, no 💍 or elaborate proposal required. Learn and stay entertained, for free.👇
All of our news is 100% free and you can unsubscribe anytime; the quiz takes ~10 seconds to complete