ABC This Week usually opens with some manner of editorial commentary from its rotating hosts. Today was not the exception. Jon Karl opened the broadcast by rightfully and poignantly condemning the brutal assassination of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk.
But there is one singular sentence that is a cause for concern and merits observation. Watch the statement below in its full context, with Karl saying: “The murder of Charlie Kirk was not a political act.”
JON KARL: Good morning. Welcome to This Week. Later today family, friends, and supporters of Charlie Kirk will gather in Glendale, Arizona, for his memorial. The 31-year-old activist's murder shocked the nation, and it was condemned by sensible and compassionate people and out of politics and across the political spectrum. It has also been senselessly celebrated by some, a small minority, who didn't like what Kirk stood for and thought it was somehow, therefore, justified. Celebrating or excusing violence is abhorrent. The murder of Charlie Kirk was not a political act. It was a gruesome crime. His alleged killer now faces the death penalty. Our thoughts this morning are with the Kirk family, especially his two young children, who will now grow up without their father. Whatever you think of his political views, and there are many who are deeply offended by things he said, Charlie Kirk was an unwavering advocate for free speech. On a personal note, he was always willing to engage with me and answer my questions. He welcomed debate with those he disagreed with. He did not try to silence his critics. He listened to them. And tried to change their minds.