An opinion piece in The Atlantic recently claimed that the “Maga” movement has adopted George Floyd as a figure of significance, especially in light of Charlie Kirk’s tragic death.
According to the article, “In the turbulent days since Charlie Kirk’s killing, the Maga Right is experiencing a kind of spiritual awakening, sparked by these new martyrs. The left has leveraged Floyd’s demise for various political agendas, while the right perceives its mission as resisting unjust practices, invoking Kirk’s legacy.” It suggests that Kirk, much like Floyd, was painted as a “controversial character” who quickly became a one-dimensional figure in the ongoing culture wars, which dismisses critical reasoning.
Williams criticized officials from both political parties for using the deaths of Kirk and Floyd to further their own cultural and political objectives.
He expressed concerns regarding conservative attempts to “purge enemies” from schools and workplaces, which he believes trivializes discussions around Kirk. After Kirk’s death, he noted, the popular podcast hosted by J.D. Vance featured calls for listeners to report anyone who spoke negatively about the incident, a sentiment echoed by other Republicans.
Williams contended that the Right, in contrast to the Left, employs governmental power in a way that impacts public discourse.
He warned that, currently, dissent is being penalized again—only this time, by state authorities.
Following the article’s release, Williams faced backlash from conservatives who felt the comparison between Kirk and Floyd was unfounded. Influencer Logan O’Hundley condemned Williams for making what he called “disgraceful comparisons,” arguing that the two men led very different lives.
After Kirk’s death, prominent conservative voices promised to continue speaking out against silencing efforts.
One user on X remarked that Williams’ article was “one of the most astonishing things I’ve come across.”
Another user pointed out the irony of riots following Kirk’s murder, even noting that, unlike Floyd, Kirk had not been involved in a life of crime, thus deeming the comparison misguided.
