Charlie Kirk’s troubling responses on social media, assassination discussions, historical turning points, and additional commentary

Libertarian: Social Media Confused by Kirk’s Death

Reactions on social media to Charlie Kirk’s murder seem quite extreme, with many people going “out of the deep end.” Some even dismiss the situation with a laugh—the notion that he was just standing there. Robby Soave from Reason points out these reactions, accusing certain individuals, like Andrea Junker, of suggesting that Kirk somehow deserved this fate. She claims he “incited violence for years.” Soave argues that if you believe victims of violence brought it upon themselves, perhaps it’s best to reconsider your stance. Another troubling response came from Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.), who advocates for a broad approach that might effectively criminalize everything around Kirk’s death. Although celebrating Kirk’s assassination should be condemned, it seems to undermine the freedom of speech since he held opposing views.

From the Right: Assassination and the Shift in Society

Upon hearing “Charlie Kirk was shot and killed,” RR Reno reflects on historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., acknowledging that, despite differences, we are witnessing a transformation in American public life. Interestingly, it’s not just the outrage from white Southerners we see; rather, it’s educated elites, particularly baby boomers, grappling with a social shift away from the now fading consensus on multiculturalism and an open society. Rather ominously, this assassination serves as a symptom of the passionate conflicts shaping our nation’s future. While politeness should be sought in these disputes, it’s crucial to maintain our beliefs. Nonetheless, the reality of “innocent blood” becomes a catalyst for historical change. Maybe his death will reveal the despair of the consensus he opposed.

Court Clock: Judicial “Resistance” a Potential Threat

“Lower courts have become both brave and rebellious—not just against the administration’s agenda but concerning the opinions from the High Court,” state Elizabeth Price Foley and Mark Pinkert in the Wall Street Journal. The Supreme Court has had to remind federal judges to respect their constitutional roles and not resist established precedents. Unfortunately, this resistance appears to be ongoing, posing a risk to the judiciary’s functionality. It’s concerning that some judges seem to think their responsibility includes resistance. While Congress may struggle to address this, the judiciary has a role to play in clearly guiding lower courts, avoiding ambiguous opinion writing. As it stands, this ongoing resistance could lead to a lost legacy of confusion and lost opportunities.

Reporter: Missed Opportunities in the Minneapolis Shooting Case

The situation surrounding Minneapolis shooter Robin Westman reveals a worrying pattern of violent thoughts and missed intervention chances. Christina Buttons reports that Westman avoided treatment for fear of being “reported and on a watch list.” The key issue seems to be the lack of timely mental health support, as highlighted by his ninth-grade art teacher. First Lady Melania Trump has also called for earlier detection of behavioral warning signs in young people. Westman’s significant distress underscores the urgent need for proper mental health interventions; otherwise, we face a future where more youths slip through the cracks, leading to preventable tragedies.

Cultural Critics: Hollywood Overlooks Genuine Genocide

Seth Mandel notes that for many in the arts, especially Jewish individuals, finding support in the industry has become challenging given the current boycotts. Artists are expected to abandon support for the Jewish state, but Mandel argues that those promoting these boycotts generally do not experience any sacrifice themselves. He points out that, even as both the U.S. and the U.K. accuse China of “crimes against humanity” regarding the Uyghurs, there’s a noticeable lack of boycotts against the Chinese film industry—unlike the fervor surrounding Israel. In essence, it seems that Hollywood is more preoccupied with the presence of Israelis than with addressing actual genocides elsewhere.