Statement from Governor Phil Scott on Assassination of Charlie Kirk

The heartbreaking assassination of Charlie Kirk is a painful reminder, to all of us, of why increasing polarization is so dangerous and can lead to political violence. My thoughts are with Charlie's wife Erika, children, family, colleagues, and friends during this difficult time.

Our country continues to become more fractured, more violent, and more partisan - and we should all feel a sense of a responsibility to change that.

There is no doubt, our nation is broken. But, we've experienced difficult situations before and have shown just how powerful our country is when we are united, listen to the perspectives of others, treat each other with respect, and rise above the dangerous rhetoric we're seeing more often.

We must strive to find common ground, at the most basic human level, so we can engage in the free exchange of conflicting ideas and the open debate that we desperately need to solve problems and help people.