Representative Derrick Van Olden (R-Wis.) recently accused the media of holding him “liable” for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This statement came during an interaction with reporters at the US Capitol on Thursday.
Pointing at a journalist, he expressed frustration, stating, “You guys here, you’re a mistake.” He also dismissed further questions, telling reporters to “knock it off.”
The retired Navy Seal asserted, “You’re responsible for that assassination yesterday,” and admonished the press, saying, “You should be ashamed of yourself. That’s something you don’t like.”
As a reporter attempted to approach him for clarification, he quickly shot back, “Get out of my face.”
Van Olden, known for his fiery rhetoric, compared Democrats and the media to the violent supporters of the Nazi Party from World War II. He called the left-wing media a modern-day “propaganda arm of 21st-century brown shirts.” His remarks followed an apology from MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler regarding her commentary on the assassination linked to Kirk.
He added, “The gloves are off, and these horrible vultures who claim to be journalists must be accountable.” Shortly thereafter, commentator Matthew Dowd was dismissed from the network.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University during an event for Campus Speaking Engagement’s “American Comeback Tour.” As a key figure in Turning Point USA, his influence in conservative circles was significant.
Van Olden’s office did not immediately comment on the situation.
