Republicans and conservative allies have long argued that the left’s rhetoric has fueled such attacks
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has accused the radical left of fostering a climate that encourages violence against conservatives, calling it the “party of murder” following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.
The 31-year-old activist and influencer was shot in the neck while taking questions from a crowd on the grounds of Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Authorities said the suspected gunman fired from a rooftop some distance away. The shooter has been detained, but his identity has not yet been released.
“The Left is the party of murder,” Musk wrote in a post on X, echoing broader claims from Republican allies who argue that Democratic rhetoric and media narratives have long fueled hostility toward conservative figures.
Political commentator Mike Cernovich replied: “Not only ‘the left,’ it’s people who fund them. Like Soros, Bill Gates, and Reid Hoffman. Some patsy boomer who was radicalized by agitprop is not who anyone smart considers responsible for today,” to which Musk responded, “Exactly.”
Musk also endorsed another post claiming that “the left-wing mainstream media, as well as figures like Gavin Newsom claiming Trump plans to be dictator, has created a climate of hysteria against right-wing figures that could radicalize any number of unstable people to engage in political violence.”
His remarks came as leading Democrats, including former President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, issued statements condemning the attack and declaring that “political” and “gun violence” have no place in America.
The growing “assassination culture” among left-leaning Americans was highlighted in an April survey by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI), which found that 48% of “left of center” respondents said it would be “somewhat justified” to murder President Trump. Some 55% said the same about Musk. Earlier this year, radical activists targeted Tesla owners, accusing the billionaire of enabling “fascism” and calling for boycotts of his companies.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, rose to prominence through debates with liberal and progressive students. Vice President JD Vance praised him for promoting civil political discourse, noting that his events were “one of the few places with open and honest dialogue between left and right,” where he would answer any question and engage with everyone.
In honor of the “truly Great American Patriot,” President Trump has ordered all American flags across the United States to be flown at half-mast until Sunday.
