The tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shaken the political world, prompting tributes from leaders across the spectrum. But comments made by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) in the aftermath have drawn heavy criticism, with many accusing her of using the moment to settle old political scores rather than honoring the 31-year-old’s life.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was gunned down on Wednesday while hosting a “Prove Me Wrong” debate event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was struck in the neck by a single rifle round fired from a rooftop while engaging in a Q&A on mass shootings. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Kirk died of his injuries later that day, leaving behind his wife Erika and their two young children. Authorities are still searching for the shooter, described as a “person of interest” caught on campus surveillance.
Yet Omar’s response to the tragedy immediately drew backlash. Appearing alongside Mehdi Hasan, Omar reflected on Kirk’s career with pointed criticism rather than sympathy.
“What I do know for sure is that Charlie was someone who once said, you know, ‘Guns save lives,’ after a school shooting,” Omar said. “Charlie was someone who was willing to debate and downplay the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.”
Hasan interjected that Kirk had once called George Floyd a “scumbag,” a remark Omar appeared to agree with. She continued, “Right, have no regard, downplay slavery and what black people have gone through in this country by saying Juneteenth should never exist. And I think there are a lot of people who are out there talking about him just wanting to have a civil debate.”
Also Read : BREAKING: Suspected Shooter In Custody, Kash Patel Announces [UPDATED]
“A complete rewriting of history,” Hasan claimed.
The Minnesota congresswoman closed by accusing conservatives of whitewashing Kirk’s controversial statements: “There is nothing more effed up than to completely pretend that his words and actions have not been recorded and in existence for the last decade or so.”
Her remarks were met with immediate backlash in the wake of Kirk’s murder.
On Thursday, President Trump announced that Kirk would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him a “friend” who inspired a new generation of conservatives. Flags across the country were lowered to half-staff, while Vice President JD Vance pledged to escort Kirk’s casket home to Arizona aboard Air Force Two.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Kirk’s killing continues. Federal and local law enforcement have released images of a suspect in dark clothing and sunglasses leaving the rooftop area where the shot was fired. The suspected weapon, a bolt-action rifle, was later recovered in a wooded area near campus. Two men detained earlier were released after being cleared of involvement.
As the search intensifies, Kirk’s supporters have vowed to carry on his mission.
