Spooked By Charlie Kirk's Assassination, US Politicians Call Off, Reschedule Public Events

The fatal shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk has allegedly sparked a fear among political leaders who are deciding whether to allow public access to them.

According to CNN, several campaigns or political groups have already called off events out of an abundance of caution since Kirk’s assassination.

Several state officials, Democratic Committee office in Washington and several universities have reportedly received bomb threats.

CNN reported that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, and Senator Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, both canceled events this weekend out of an abundance of caution. Besides, Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator, postponed a book signing that was scheduled to take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California hours after the shooting.

“The arena they just stepped into, those threats — everything — is on the table," said Rob Savage, a former special agent in charge of the US Secret Service’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Because it’s just become that politically charged."

Charlie Kirk was shot on September 10, while speaking at a university event in Utah. He was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth political group, and a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump. Kirk used social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to promote conservative views, particularly criticising transgender rights and sharing edited clips of his debates on college campuses.

Interestingly, the shooting of Kirk was similar to the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump last year at an outdoor campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, the latest incident is took place less than three months after Melissa Hortman, the ex-Speaker of the Minnesota House, and her husband were shot and killed at her home.

According to CNN, the latest incident will likely prompt organisers to move their events indoors as an immediate reaction.

But security experts told CNN that threats can manifest anywhere, and solutions aren’t as easy as simply moving inside, stationing personnel on rooftops or deploying drones.

“What’s so alarming to all of us is it’s getting baked in," The Hill quoted Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) as saying. “It’s getting more and more [immersive]. How do you reverse it? It’s not like you can pass a law to reverse it."

Meanwhile, Senator Markwayne Mullin has said that there is a pilot programme underway to determine the cost of having security details for senators.

At present, the top four leaders, Senate Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and a select few other lawmakers are the only ones that have that level of protection, The Hill reported.

“Ultimately, every member needs to be protected," Mullin said, noting discussions are underway for all of them to have security. “With the political environment we find ourselves in, it’s also a sad time that that’s the discussion that has got to happen."

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United States of America (USA)

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