By Mariane Angela, DCNF
UTAH (DCNF, CONVERSEER) – Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker blamed President Donald Trump and the Jan 6 rioters for fueling the political violence that led to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk Wednesday.
Kirk died at 31 after being shot during a speech at Utah Valley University. During his speech, Pritzker extended his sympathy to the activist’s family but then quickly turned to Trump.
“My sympathy to Charlie Kirk’s family and to Charlie Kirk, who obviously has become a target for somebody. I don’t know whether it’s political violence, because I don’t know who did it. I know they seem to have somebody in custody. But I will say that political violence unfortunately has been ratcheting up in this country,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker blamed Trump’s rhetoric for creating the conditions that encourage violence.
“We saw the shootings, the killings in Minnesota. We’ve seen other political violence occur in other states. And I would just say it’s got to stop. And I think there are people who are fomenting it in this country,” Pritzker said.
“I think the president’s rhetoric often foments it. We’ve seen the January 6 rioters who clearly have tripped a new era of political violence. And the president? What did he do? Pardoned them. I mean what kind of signal does that send to people who want to perpetrate political violence. Not a good one.”
A gunman opened fire while Kirk spoke to students at an event at Utah Valley University, striking him from a building roughly 200 yards away, according to a university spokesperson. Video footage shows security personnel carrying Kirk’s body away from the scene.
Trump announced Kirk’s passing on Truth Social, confirming the conservative activist died after being shot and describing him as a warrior for truth and a patriot who loved his country. Kirk grew up in suburban Prospect Heights, Ill., the same state Pritzker governs.
(WATCH VIDEO BELOW)
