House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) voiced his criticism of Rep. Ilhan Omar’s remarks following the recent fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.
During an interview, he expressed being “remorried” about Kirk’s death. Zeteo’s Mehdi Hasan described Johnson as a conservative condemning the left regarding a “full of s–” situation related to the shooting.
“She clearly doesn’t know what she’s talking about,” Johnson stated in his appearance on “Fox News Sunday” with Shannon Bream. “She doesn’t follow Charlie. She continues to mischaracterize him as she moves to the left.”
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot at an event on the Utah Valley University campus on Wednesday. The FBI apprehended 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect on Thursday evening.
The incident has drawn criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum, many commenting on the growing trend of political violence in the U.S. Omar described the emotional toll that such a violent act can have on the families of those affected.
“It’s incredibly frustrating to see the news and watch the video,” said the Minnesota Congressman, adding that his thoughts went to Kirk’s family, particularly his wife and children. “That image will linger indefinitely.”
In response to Republican lawmakers who attributed leftist rhetoric to the shooting, Omar emphasized her concerns for her own safety.
“You have individuals like Trump who have incited violence against people like me,” Omar remarked. She recalled the former president’s 2019 comments suggesting she should return to Somalia. “It’s essential that we remain vigilant against these influencers.”
On Thursday, President Trump condemned what he labeled as the “radical left” in connection to Kirk’s murder during his address from the Oval Office. He claimed that such groups are obstructing the country’s path to unity.
Utah voter records indicate that Robinson did not associate with any political party. Utah Governor Spencer Cox pointed out in a press conference that the narrative surrounding the shooter had taken a more political turn. He recounted a recent family dinner in which Robinson and his family expressed negative sentiments towards conservative figures and the founder of Turning Point USA.
Johnson commented on the importance of security for members of Congress, describing it as “a serious issue.”
“We really need to lower our rhetoric. It’s the complete opposite of what we should be doing, and just look at that video,” Johnson said, referring to Omar’s comments. “We hope all members of Congress will come together on this.”
