During a Saturday interview, President Trump criticized the “radical left,” calling it an obstacle to national healing following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“I want to see it [the nation] heal,” he said in a brief phone call with NBC News. “But we’re dealing with this radical group of left madmen. They never played fair, and they still don’t.”
Authorities have identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Utah as a suspect in the killing of the Turning Point USA founder.
Before the shooting, Robinson had expressed more political views, mentioning that Kirk was set to visit Utah for dinner with his family, according to Governor Spencer Cox (R) during a press conference. Cox also noted that bullet casings discovered in connection with the investigation carry several engraved messages.
Robinson is registered to vote but has no known criminal background.
Trump’s remarks echoed earlier claims he made, holding the “radical left” directly responsible for the perceived terrorism in the country today.
In response to Kirk’s assassination, some Republicans in the House have called for a select committee to investigate “the money, influence, and power behind the radical leftist attack on America and the rule of law.”
Conversely, some Democrats argue that the rhetoric from Republicans has contributed to the violence witnessed at Utah Valley University.
Others, including Governor Cox, have urged a reduction in political tensions. In his NBC interview, he mentioned a desire for a more constructive dialogue, stating that he disagrees with the ongoing situation. “We’re doing well,” he added.
Trump also criticized democratic mega-donor George Soros, suggesting that his administration would look into hedge fund managers amid the investigation into Kirk’s murder. Soros, known for founding the Open Society Foundation in 1993, focuses on human rights and democracy.
Trump labeled Soros a “bad guy” and suggested he should be “in prison.” In response to these comments, Open Society Foundations released a statement in late August, denying any connections to violent protests and asserting that the claims against them are unfounded. They emphasized their support for fundamental freedoms, including free speech and peaceful protest, as cornerstones of democracy.
