Charlie Kirk's assassination puts spotlight on political division, experts say

ATLANTA — Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated Wednesday in Utah during the kickoff of his national college tour, an event where he often invited both supporters and critics to ask questions.

The attack has rattled the political world and drawn swift condemnation from across the aisle.

Georgia leaders were among those responding.

Gov. Brian Kemp posted, “Please join us in praying for Charlie Kirk. Political violence is never the answer.”

Sen. Raphael Warnock wrote in part, “Political violence is NEVER acceptable and we must condemn it in every form.”

Sen. Jon Ossoff added, “Political violence is unacceptable.”

For Andra Gillespie, a political scientist at Emory University, the assassination highlights the dangers of escalating rhetoric and polarization.

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