BURSTFormer Vice President Mike Pence urged Americans not to put each other “on trial” over the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah.
“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. He’s a good and godly man, devoted husband, father, and important voice in America. I’m heartsick about what happened to him,” Pence said Thursday morning on CNBC.
“And I truly do pray for his family, commend law enforcement in the community. But you understand the anger in this moment," he continued." 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."
People have been targeted online over their comments about Kirk’s assassination, with some overtly celebrating the killing of the Turning Point USA co-founder. Some have been fired from their jobs due to their remarks.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth even said the Pentagon is “tracking” any comments from civilian or military employees that mock or celebrate the murder of Kirk, who was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, last week.
On Friday morning, law enforcement identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the alleged suspect in the shooting of Kirk. Utah is seeking the death penalty against Robinson.
“He needs to be brought to justice, swift and certain,” Pence added Thursday.
“Can people in public life do better in the way that we speak with one another and about the issues facing the country? Of course, and democracy depends on heavy doses of civility,” the former vice president added. “But Charlie Kirk was a champion of the First Amendment, a champion of free and open debate. He ultimately died defending it, and I think on that principle, we should stand and ensure that it’s part of his legacy beyond one.”