


Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) seemed to correlate the rise in political violence to President Donald Trump, saying an “honest conversation” needs to be had about this.
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was killed on Wednesday while speaking at a college event. Trump blamed people on the “radical Left” for inflammatory rhetoric that led to Kirk’s murder, and suggested his administration will target groups that fund violence toward Kirk and other conservative figures.
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Moulton said “Democrats across the board” and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) are calling to tone down the political rhetoric, and that it is “shocking” most Republicans are instead following Trump’s response to Kirk’s death.
“If the president is serious about stopping political violence, then maybe he should start by rescinding the pardons for all the domestic terrorists who came to the Capitol on January 6th to kill cops, to kill Speaker Pelosi, to kill Vice President Pence,” Moulton said on Thursday during a CNN News Central segment.
“Let‘s have an honest conversation about the origins of this political violence and why it has risen so dramatically since Donald Trump‘s first term. We need to have that conversation if we‘re serious about stopping it,” Moulton said.
The lawmaker also said people need to be “serious” about political violence and its origin, adding that “76% are from right-wing extremists” while 4% come from “left-wing extremists.” Moulton said he condemns this 4%, but that the nation needs to be “honest” about “where this violence is coming from.”
Moulton’s office told the Washington Examiner the lawmaker cited statistics from an Anti-Defamation League report. The 2024 report assesses 442 people killed “at the hands of extremists” from 2014 through 2023, and claims “extremists on the left” are more likely to attack property than people.
CHARLIE KIRK’S HONORABLE LEGACY OF CIVIL DISCOURSE
The FBI recovered the bolt-action rifle used in Kirk’s killing, though the assassin has not yet been apprehended. The agency released a photo of a person of interest on Thursday, offering a $100,000 reward for any “information leading to the identification and arrest” of the suspect.
Vice President JD Vance will fly with the casket carrying Kirk’s body on Air Force Two from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Phoenix, Arizona, later Thursday. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance will also meet with Kirk’s family and close friends.