Following the revelation of the arrest related to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Utah Governor Spencer Cox faced backlash on social media, particularly due to the violent imagery often shared online.
This response came in light of the governor’s announcement at a press conference on Friday morning, where he stated that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was in custody as a gunman suspected in the shooting.
Cox seemed to reference disturbing footage that circulated online shortly after the murder of the conservative campus leader, as well as recent images from social media depicting the fatal injuries of North Carolina refugee Irina Zaltzka.
“As human beings, biologically and historically, we are not united. We have not evolved to cope with these types of violent images,” he remarked. “And frankly, we’ve observed something else that has also undergone a terrible stabbing—it’s detrimental for us. Consuming such content isn’t healthy.”
“Social media has become a cancer in our society,” he added. “I encourage everyone to disconnect, step outside, appreciate their families, and engage in positive community activities.”
Earlier, during the same meeting, Cox echoed comments from Kirk regarding social media.
“It’s crucial to stay grounded when everything around us is so chaotic and people are losing their cool. Disconnect, read the Bible, enjoy time with friends, and remember that online anger doesn’t reflect real life.”
Cox noted that the last time Americans witnessed something as graphic as an assassination was during President John F. Kennedy’s murder in 1963 while he was riding with the First Lady in Dallas.
However, reactions were different back then. The graphic footage captured by Abraham Zapruder remained somewhat restrained until 1975, with some images later published in Life Magazine. An 8mm film was released shortly after JFK’s assassination.
The governor insinuated that such impactful visuals can stir intense emotions and breed more animosity and violence.
“This is our moment,” he expressed. “Do we escalate this? Or can we find a way to step back? It’s a choice we all have to make.”
