Elected officials and political activists in Rhode Island responded to the murder of GOP organizer Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday by denouncing political violence.
In an unusual joint statement, the Rhode Island Young Republicans and Rhode Island Young Democrats said they were speaking in a shared voice “to express their shared grief and call for a renewed commitment to civility, compassion, and respect.”
Added Young Republicans Chairman Ken Naylor: “The tragic death of Charlie Kirk is a painful reminder that political violence has no place in our society. I stand next to the RI Young Democrats to send a clear message: we may disagree on policy, but we are united in our belief in the value of life, civil discourse, and mutual respect. Let us honor Charlie’s memory by working together to create a safer and more compassionate political culture.”
Anthony Cherry, vice president of the Young Democrats, said: “We have to understand that when our dialogue becomes toxic it has unimaginable consequences as we have seen today. We are friends and neighbors first, and we need to treat each other as such. We send our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family and friends.”
Rhode Island State Police issued a statement citing several hoax emails “that contained bomb threats directed at local officials. We take all threats seriously and these incidents are under investigation.”
WPRI reported that Senate President Val Lawson and Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone were among those receiving the threats.
Gov. Dan McKee ordered flags at state buildings at half-staff in accordance with a proclamation by President Trump.
“Political violence is never the answer. It’s never the way forward. And we must stand together in condemning it,” McKee said in a statement. “Susan and I are praying for Charlie’s wife, young children, and everyone mourning this horrific and heartbreaking tragedy.”
Kirk, who galvanized support for President Trump among young voters, was shot and killed by an assassin while engaging in a discussion with college students in Utah.
The Rhode Island chapter of Kirk’s group, Turning Point USA, announced plans for a 6:30 pm vigil on the mall side of the Statehouse Friday.
“There is no place for violence in our system of government and I condemn the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk in the very strongest terms,” House Speaker Joe Shekarchi said in a statement. “Freedom of speech and all political viewpoints must be respected. Tragedies like this one, as well as the murder of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman in June, are truly reprehensible and erode the foundation of our democracy.”
In its statement, the Rhode Island GOP said in part, “To those who would relish in this tragedy or cheer the silencing of a man who built a movement, shame on you. From elected officials who have carelessly stoked hatred to social media influencers who glorify violence, the fingerprints of yesterday’s horrific act are not invisible. We will not let the world forget who helped fuel this climate where political assassinations are now becoming reality.”
The Rhode Island Democratic Party said, “It is a mistake to dismiss this as the act of one deranged individual. There is a political culture making these murderous acts seem almost normal. It is incumbent on every political leader in America to tone down the rhetoric. To eliminate hate from political agendas. Let us be mindful that we are family, friends, and neighbors.”
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said, “You can disagree, debate, and demonstrate. But free speech is a Constitutional right. Political violence is unacceptable and doesn’t solve disagreements. In fact, it undermines the very foundation of our democracy and only serves to sow division, hate, and fear. Regardless of our differences, we must come together to condemn gun violence, reject political violence, and work to become a stronger community and more unified nation.”
