How recent political violence in the U.S. fits into ‘a long, dark history’ Politics Sep 12, 2025 1:55 PM EDT

The assassination of Charlie Kirk stunned first the audience at Utah Valley University, where he was shot while speaking Sept. 10, and then the country, as footage of his killing quickly spread.

For many Americans, the conservative influencer’s death crystallized a growing fear: The United States is experiencing more and more political violence.

Kirk, 31, had the ear of both everyday Americans and the most powerful people in the United States. He founded Turning Point USA, a conservative organization focused on young people, when he was 18. Until he was fatally shot in the neck during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, Kirk was close to President Donald Trump and

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