Charlie Kirk—a husband, a father, a friend to many and now a martyr for his beliefs—has been tragically assassinated simply because someone disagreed with him. This is a significant event for me. I realize that there has always been cruelty and violence in the world, but watching someone I admire being killed on live television truly made the condition of our nation really sink in.

 Recently, political violence has surged, and the trend does not seem to be slowing down. It is frightening that a growing number of people feel it is okay to wish harm upon others simply because of disagreement and anger.

Kirk’s death is only the latest demonstration of the disturbing rise in political violence. Political violence has been on the rise in recent years.For example, there were two assassination attempts on President Trump last year; former Minnesota House of Representatives speaker Melissa Hortmon and her husband were shot and killed in their home three months ago; Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s house was set on fire earlier this year and former House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband was beaten with a hammer by someone who broke into their home in October 2022. Now, Charlie Kirk—who was not a political leader, but a public speaker who promoted freedom of speech—was assassinated on Sept. 10.

Our society has become more accepting of political violence, and many of those who do not support it only show apathy instead of condemnation. Social media has facilitated radical and often violent ideals, and many people lack proper education on current events, often absorbing oversimplified rhetoric instead of recognizing the depth and complexity that comes with politics. 

Regardless of the reason, this violence should never be condoned or endorsed. However, it is troubling how many people, especially on social media, are condoning or celebrating political violence in many ways.Some are individuals in the political limelight, such as President Trump making crude remarks after  the attack on the Pelosi household, saying “she’s against building a wall at our border, even though she has a wall around her house — which obviously didn’t do a very good job.” Though this isn’t directly condoning violence, it is still poking fun at the sensitive subject of someone’s family being harmed. Even if you don’t condone violence, when you joke about political violence or even think that it’s a “normal” danger when you’re a political figure, you’re a contributor. 

Other people that mock or encourage violence are everyday people on social media. Many people on TikTok, Instagram, and other social platforms were caught saying that Kirk “deserved to die” or that they are “glad he’s dead” after the assassination. 

To celebrate or wish death upon someone, regardless of the way you feel about their political, religious or moral beliefs is simply disgusting, inhumane and callous. It is devastating to see this shift in our culture.

Why has compassion become less popular than murder? It is dreadful to think about this. This is the time for our generation to stand for change. Continue to stand up for what you believe in and for what you know is right. But, stand up peacefully. Set an example. I pray that our generation wakes up and sees that the murder of Charlie Kirk should stand as a turning point. We must stand against this violence and push people to be peaceful and compassionate.