Statement from Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson on Tragic Shooting of Charlie Kirk

I extend my thoughts and prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family following the recent assassination attempt at an event in Utah. No individual, regardless of political beliefs, should ever have to fear for their life simply for engaging in public discourse. This violent act is a tragic reminder of how far we have fallen as a nation when it comes to the safety and respect we owe one another in the public square.

Living and serving in Chicago, I witness every day the devastating toll that gun violence takes on families and communities. We have lost far too many neighbors, too many children, to senseless acts of violence financed by the easy accessibility of guns, including assault weapons designed for war rather than civilian life. The attack on Charlie Kirk is another painful example of how this crisis spares no one, regardless of ideology or background.

There is no place for political violence or intimidation in America. We must collectively reject the rhetoric that incites hatred and division. Our political discourse should be grounded in respect, dialogue, and a commitment to peaceful solutions. Words matter, and when heated rhetoric crosses the line into threats or violence, it tears at the very fabric of our democracy.

This moment calls upon all of us to do better, especially our leaders on every side of the aisle. We must commit to tamping down the fiery rhetoric that only fans the flames of anger and fear. We must recommit to a civil, honest, and humane political conversation where differences are debated with reason and empathy, not with violence and fear.

At the same time, we must take urgent action to address the gun violence epidemic that claims over 40,000 lives in this country each year. This is about more than politics; it is a matter of public safety and human dignity. I reiterate my call for common-sense gun reforms that include universal background checks to keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a danger, a ban on assault weapons that have no place on our streets, and effective red flag laws that enable intervention before tragedy strikes.

Our communities, from Chicago to Utah and everywhere in between, deserve to live without fear of gun violence. Every mother, father, brother, and sister should be able to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. Every public event should be a place of open conversation without the looming threat of violence.

I stand with the Kirk family and join lawmakers from all backgrounds in condemning this heinous act of political violence. As we pray for Charlie's swift recovery, let us also find resolve in this tragedy to build a safer, more just America-one where political differences bring us together, not tear us apart.

In memory of those we have lost and with hope for a more peaceful future, let this serve as a call to action and a reminder of what is at stake: the soul of our nation. There is no room for violence-only the possibility of healing and hope born from unity, courage, and the pursuit of peace.

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