A manhunt is still underway for the assassin who gunned down Charlie Kirk, the conservative media giant and founder of the influential student activist group Turning Point USA. Unfortunately, the fact that authorities have yet to confirm the killer’s identity, means, and motivations has not prevented countless pundits from issuing sweeping condemnations of various forces to which they are assigning blame for Kirk’s demise: rival political tribes, so-called violent rhetoric, guns, and even (why not) the state of Israel.
It bears repeating that this shocking murder occurred about 24 hours ago. Kirk’s family and friends are probably still in shock, and the millions of people who agreed with Kirk’s views, admired his accomplishments, listened to his shows, attended his conferences, or otherwise regarded him as a fellow traveler—in truth, he was one of the most important conservative media figures in history—are just beginning to grieve. It is far, far too early to start pointing fingers, particularly when the individual (or individuals) directly at fault has not yet been apprehended.
Thankfully, there has also been an outpouring of renunciations of violence from many people who were at odds with Kirk politically: mainstream media commentators, Democratic political figures, etc. These expressions of moral and human solidarity are refreshing. The New York Times‘ Ezra Klein, for instance, praised him for “practicing politics the right way.” Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and other prominent Democrats issued statements of unqualified support for Kirk’s family. That’s all good and can help to de-escalate tensions.
But many others are going off the deep end—and some are even making a mockery of the very ideas that Kirk stood for. They ought to know better.
I wanted to highlight a few of the unhinged responses, because it will be useful to explain why they are wrong, harmful, and sadly indicative of various strains of incorrect thinking.
Hellbound and Down 