Former President Barack Obama addressed the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling it “horrific and a tragedy.” However, he also delivered a thinly veiled criticism of President Donald Trump’s political tone.
Speaking at the Jefferson Educational Society’s annual summit in Erie, Pennsylvania, Obama expressed deep sorrow. “No matter your politics, Kirk’s death was horrific and a tragedy,” he said on Tuesday night.
Obama clarified he never knew Kirk personally. “I was aware of his views,” Obama noted. “I disagreed with them. Still, I mourn for his family.” Obama condemns political violence while warning that America now faces an unprecedented political crisis. “This is unlike anything we’ve seen in modern history,” he said.
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck on September 10 during a speaking event in Utah. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, now faces charges including aggravated murder. Importantly, Obama emphasized that political extremism exists on both ends. However, he distanced himself from the far left. “Those extreme voices weren’t in my White House,” he stated.
“I didn’t empower them or support them with federal authority,” Obama said. He criticized using government power to elevate extremists. “When the government backs extremism, we face serious problems.”
Obama condemns political violence and warned that free speech must not become a casualty. He also accused the current White House of trying to “silence discussion.”Without naming Trump directly, Obama referenced rhetoric from the administration. “Calling political opponents ‘vermin’ or ‘targets’ sends the wrong message,” he said.
“Such language invites chaos,” he added. “And we must all reckon with it.”Meanwhile, the White House hit back strongly. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson accused Obama of creating the very division he now criticizes. Furthermore, “Barack Hussein Obama built today’s political divide,” Jackson said in a Wednesday statement. “He mocked millions as ‘bitter’ Americans clinging to religion and guns.”
Jackson added that Obama inspired Democrats to use labels like “fascists” and “Nazis” against political rivals. “If he truly wants unity, he should clean up his own party’s behavior,” she said.
Meanwhile, Obama condemns political violence in multiple forums. Earlier, on September 10, he posted condolences on social media. “Michelle and I are praying for Charlie’s family tonight,” he wrote on X.
Investigators have not confirmed the motive behind the shooting. However, bullet casings found at the scene reportedly carried anti-fascist messages. Even as tensions rise, Obama urged Americans to seek understanding, not revenge. “We must stop the cycle before it destroys democracy,” he concluded.
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