The Wall Street Journal issued a stark warning on Wednesday following the assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University. The paper’s editorial board described the incident as part of “a dangerous moment for the country,” cautioning that America could spiral into a cycle of political violence that may become impossible to contain.
In an editorial, the popular Journal noted that America’s political scenario is currently “at a pitch that could hardly be higher.” The board urged President Donald Trump to use this moment as a time of mourning, a chance to show leadership, and a chance to help the nation rise above the “madness,” since he has also survived an assassination attempt in 2024.
As the President, as a survivor of a near-assassination himself, and especially as Kirk’s political ally and friend—Trump can help the country rise above this madness. https://t.co/MOLOmQEt9Q
— Wall Street Journal Opinion (@WSJopinion) September 11, 2025
As per The Huffpost, the editorial read. “He should declare that the descent into political violence must end, especially in honor of Charlie Kirk, who believed in winning hearts and minds through debate, not brutality.”
American society has steadily dismantled the civil and social guardrails that used to prevent such troubled minds from straying so disastrously from civilized social norms.https://t.co/p2X4Lsvc4w
— Wall Street Journal Opinion (@WSJopinion) September 11, 2025
Meanwhile, Trump released a statement after his death and ordered all flags of the federal buildings to be lowered until sunset. “For years, the radical left has likened great Americans like Charlie to Nazis and mass murderers,” Trump said. “That kind of rhetoric is directly fueling the terrorism we’re witnessing in this country, and it needs to end now.”
Prez trump says Charlie kirk died after being shot by aasassin pic.twitter.com/DZF08oncRy
— Nikipedia_Sportz🇮🇳🕉️ (@Nikhilkaranam15) September 10, 2025
Charlie Kirk was shot by a single sniper bullet while talking to the crowd. FBI authorities and Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared this incident a “political assassination’ and yet another “targeted attack.” Two people were taken into custody, but the suspect remains at large. He was close to Trump and the members of the Republican Party and was seen supporting Trump’s political endeavors.
As Charlie Kirk’s death shocked the nation and showcased the deep political divide in the country, it was followed by making people realize how serious gun violence has become, lawmakers began arguing over how best to honor him during the U.S. House of Representatives session on September 10.. House Speaker Mike Johnson struggled to restore order, pounding his gavel as someone shouted from the chamber, “Pass a gun law!”
While conservatives reacted with outrage and accused the political left, Democrats demanded better gun laws in America. Many others also questioned why other victims who were either assassinated or similar recognition wasn’t given to other victims of violence.
“There’s no excuse for political violence in our country,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a survivor of a 2017 shooting at a congressional baseball practice. “It’s a problem that’s growing and must be addressed.” ( via Reuters).
Meanwhile, Charlie Kirk’s killing came amid a renewed focus among conservative media on politically charged violence. Just days earlier, right-wing figures had seized on the killing of a Ukrainian refugee in North Carolina, blaming Democratic criminal justice policies. Kirk, who was known as a bold truth teller, stood for the case during a Fox News appearance, arguing that liberal narratives around race were misleading.
“There’s a myth that Black people are under relentless assault by white people,” Kirk said. “In reality, per capita, white individuals are more likely to be attacked by Black individuals.”
This was Charlie Kirk being evacuated by his security team after being shot in the neck while speaking.
Sadly Charlie later died in hospital.
This is a major “turning point” in U.S. politics and the major diversity between the left and right. pic.twitter.com/miQPI5Mszh
— James J. Marlow (@James_J_Marlow) September 10, 2025
As the investigation into Kirk’s shooter continues, this incident serves as a wake-up call for the people of America. Charlie Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two kids.
