Kirk’s body is still warm, and Omar is slinging mud. Americans deserve better from their elected officials.
Now Ilhan Omar showcased her heartlessness with disgusting comments about Charlie Kirk.
Ilhan Omar’s Remarks on Charlie Kirk’s Assassination Spark Controversy
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), a prominent member of the progressive “Squad,” drew widespread criticism for comments made during an interview with Zeteo, where she mocked the legacy of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot the previous day at Utah Valley University.
Omar dismissed claims that Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, sought civil political discourse, stating, “There are a lot of people who are talking about him just wanting to have a civil debate. These people are full of s— and it’s important for us to call them out while we feel anger and sadness.”
She criticized Kirk’s past rhetoric, accusing him of downplaying George Floyd’s death, opposing Juneteenth, and posting “hateful rhetoric” on social media. Omar’s remarks, made less than 24 hours after Kirk’s assassination, were seen by critics as callous and divisive, reigniting debates about political rhetoric and civility.
Omar was not alone in facing backlash for unsympathetic responses to Kirk’s death. Several public figures and officials made controversial statements, prompting investigations and terminations.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker attributed rising political violence to President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, referencing the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot but omitting two recent assassination attempts against Trump. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) condemned political violence but noted that “political rhetoric from both sides” often incites such acts, urging reflection on the consequences of inflammatory language.
Other responses, including social media posts from a Secret Service agent, a Marine Corps recruiter, a Toledo Fire Department battalion chief, and several educators, expressed disdain for Kirk or appeared to celebrate his death, leading to swift disciplinary actions.
Context of Political Violence
Kirk’s assassination, described by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox as a “political assassination,” occurred during a Q&A session at a Turning Point USA event, part of his “American Comeback Tour.” The FBI has released images of a person of interest, and a manhunt continues with a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
The incident follows a series of politically motivated attacks, including the m*rder of Minnesota’s Democratic House speaker in June 2025, a firebombing at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence, and two assassination attempts on Trump in 2024.
Bipartisan condemnations from figures like former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush emphasized that political violence has no place in democracy, with calls for unity and de-escalation of divisive rhetoric.
Omar’s comments, while reflecting her longstanding criticism of Kirk’s views, were met with outrage from conservatives who argued they exacerbated tensions. Her focus on Kirk’s controversial statements—such as his 2021 claim that George Floyd was a “scumbag” and his 2024 assertion that Juneteenth promotes “anti-Americanism”—was seen as an attempt to justify her stance rather than mourn a public figure’s death.
Critics pointed to her history of polarizing rhetoric, including past statements accused of anti-Semitism, as evidence of hypocrisy in condemning Kirk’s divisiveness. Supporters, however, argued that Omar was addressing Kirk’s record honestly, consistent with her advocacy for racial justice and gun control, especially after a recent Minneapolis school shooting.
Disciplinary Actions and Public Response
The inflammatory posts from public officials and employees prompted immediate repercussions. The Secret Service placed agent Anthony Pough on administrative leave for a Facebook post calling Kirk a purveyor of “hate and racism.” A Marine Corps recruiter was relieved of duties for posting an image of Kirk with the caption, “Another racist man popped.”
A Toledo Fire Department battalion chief faces investigation for describing Kirk’s death as “totally preventable” and wishing the shooter had better aim. Educators, including AnneMarie Donahue in Massachusetts and a Lee County, Florida, teacher, were suspended or investigated for posts mocking Kirk’s death. The Carolina Panthers fired communications coordinator Charlie Rock for sharing a rap song titled “Protect Ya Neck” in reference to Kirk’s shooting.
These incidents highlight the challenge of navigating free speech, professional conduct, and political polarization in the wake of tragedy.
While Omar and others condemned political violence broadly—Omar stated on X that “unconscionable acts of violence should have no place in our country”—her Zeteo remarks fueled accusations of insensitivity.
