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\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was gunned down on Wednesday while hosting a \u201cProve Me Wrong\u201d 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 \u201cperson of interest\u201d caught on campus surveillance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet Omar\u2019s response to the tragedy immediately drew backlash. Appearing alongside Mehdi Hasan, Omar reflected on Kirk\u2019s career with pointed criticism rather than sympathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat I do know for sure is that Charlie was someone who once said, you know, \u2018Guns save lives,\u2019 after a school shooting,\u201d Omar said. \u201cCharlie was someone who was willing to debate and downplay the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hasan interjected that Kirk had once called George Floyd a \u201cscumbag,\u201d a remark Omar appeared to agree with. She continued, \u201cRight, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n