Former Vice President Mike Pence urged the nation to lower the political temperature and not to put America “on trial” over the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
The conservative activist’s death drew myriad reactions — both sides of the political spectrum mourned him, but sections of observers celebrated or suggested he deserved to die.
Pence acknowledged the increasing political tension in the United States and said he is “heartsick” about what happened to Kirk.
“You know, the Bible says we mourn with those who mourn and grieve with those who grieve, and I just have to tell you, I knew Charlie Kirk,” Pence said Thursday morning on CNBC. “He’s a good and godly man, devoted husband, father, and important voice in America. I’m heartsick about what happened to him.
“And I truly do pray for his family, commend law enforcement in the community, but you understand the anger in this moment. It’s understandable, but I think we’ve got to be careful about putting America on trial whenever we see evil overtake the hearts of any individual, and in this case, absent additional facts, it was one person responsible for Charlie Kirk’s assassination.”
The administration and Republicans have targeted Kirk’s detractors. Some have been fired from their jobs or publicly shamed for their remarks.
Attorney General Pam Bondi went so far as to suggest that the Justice Department would begin to prosecute hate speech. She faced quick blowback for her remarks and backtracked to say the department would only cover threats that invoke violence.
“Hate speech that crosses the line into threats of violence is NOT protected by the First Amendment,” Bondi said Tuesday on X. “It’s a crime. For far too long, we’ve watched the radical left normalize threats, call for assassinations, and cheer on political violence. That era is over.”
HOUSE FLOOR ERUPTS IN CHAOS AFTER MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR CHARLIE KIRK
Pence recently joined the staff of George Mason University in northern Virginia as a distinguished professor.
His new position in academia comes after his failed 2024 presidential run, when he opposed Trump’s successful third bid for office.
