Charlie Kirk's job was only possible in a democracy. A co-founder of the conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA, he made his living by sharing his ideas on social media, making arguments in opinion columns and books and giving speeches.
On Wednesday, he died while doing that work, shot while speaking to students at Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old, a husband and a father.
This is a tragedy. Charlie Kirk's death is heartbreaking — for his wife, for his children, for his family, friends and community. And it is a tragedy for all Americans, because political violence is never acceptable.
The killing is the latest in a disturbing string of attacks. Earlier this year, a Minnesota state lawmaker was assassinated in her home while another Minnesota lawmaker and his wife survived an assassination attempt. These were not national figures. They were local public servants just doing the everyday work of democracy. Their targeting, like Kirk's, was an attack not only on individuals, but on the very idea of public service.
The Department of Homeland Security has already warned that political violence is one of the greatest threats facing America. The evidence is everywhere.
This is a preview of Symone D. Sanders-Townsend's latest column. Read the full column here.
