Story perspectives

Rep. Van Orden Blames Media for Kirk's Assassination

9/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) escalated his rhetoric after Charlie Kirk's assassination, blaming the media and Democrats for the violence.
He accused “the left” of pushing America toward civil war, using inflammatory comparisons to history.
Van Orden's social media posts criticized Democrats for normalizing political violence and called for cutting federal funding to institutions employing Kirk's critics.
Devin Remiker, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, condemned Van Orden's comments and urged unity.
Kirk was shot at a Utah event on September 10, 2025, with the shooter still unidentified.

History

Historical Context

The assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, reflects the violent political climate reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968. That year saw over 200 riots across the U.S., highlighting a surge in political violence. This historical parallel emphasizes the ongoing challenges in American politics regarding violence normalization and the urgent need for unity amid rising polarization.

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Story summary

Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) escalated his rhetoric after Charlie Kirk's assassination, blaming the media and Democrats for the violence.
He accused “the left” of pushing America toward civil war, using inflammatory comparisons to history.
Van Orden's social media posts criticized Democrats for normalizing political violence and called for cutting federal funding to institutions employing Kirk's critics.
Devin Remiker, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, condemned Van Orden's comments and urged unity.
Kirk was shot at a Utah event on September 10, 2025, with the shooter still unidentified.

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