Arizona State Representative Rachel Keshel has issued a statement condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Keshel expressed her condolences to Kirk’s family and criticized certain public officials for their reactions to his death.
“The murder of Charlie Kirk is a heinous political assassination that has left his beautiful wife and young children without a husband and father, and left millions of Americans grieving the loss of a fearless advocate for freedom,” Keshel said. She extended her sympathies to the Kirk family, saying, “My heart breaks for the Kirk family, and my prayers are with them as they endure this unimaginable tragedy.”
Keshel specifically called out Tucson City Councilwoman Lane Santa Cruz and her staffer Benny Gomez for their responses on social media. “Santa Cruz took to Instagram to curse Charlie after his death, while Gomez spewed false and hateful rhetoric, dismissing any empathy for him,” she said. Keshel argued that such reactions from public officials could legitimize political violence.
She also criticized what she described as ongoing demonization by the Left against Christians and conservatives. “For years, the Left has smeared Christians and conservatives as racists, Nazis, and bigots,” she remarked. Keshel emphasized that hate speech inciting violence is not protected under free speech rights.
Keshel concluded by urging all Americans to denounce divisive rhetoric: “Every American, regardless of political affiliation, should denounce the rhetoric that radicalizes our youth and tears apart our society.” She assured the Kirk family that they have widespread support: “Millions of us stand with you, and we will not be silent in the face of hatred.”
Rachel Keshel represents Legislative District 17 in Arizona’s House of Representatives. Her district includes areas within Pima County and Pinal County such as East Tucson and Oro Valley.
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