In the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk‘s tragic assassination at a Utah university, Senator Bernie Sanders delivered a poignant message that resonated across the political spectrum. In a heartfelt statement on X, Sanders emphasized that a free and democratic society hinges on the fundamental right to express differing political views without fear of violence or intimidation.
He went on to condemn political violence as an antithesis to democracy, labeling it as “political cowardice” and underscoring the necessity for open debate and mutual respect in a functioning democracy. Sanders highlighted the disturbing rise in political violence, citing incidents such as the January 6th Capitol attack and the shooting of Representative Steve Scalise, to illustrate the escalating threat to public discourse.
He called for a collective condemnation of all forms of political violence, regardless of ideological alignment, and urged Americans to reaffirm their commitment to democratic principles and civil discourse.
Sanders bridged the divide where Trump couldn’t
Two stunning political moments in the past 24 hours: Gov. Cox's eloquent appearance just now…and Bernie Sanders's extraordinary statement yesterday.https://t.co/M0mBp94AV8
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) September 12, 2025
The Vermont senator’s remarks were met with widespread acclaim from both liberal and conservative voices. Conservative pundit John Podhoretz shared Sanders’ remarks, captioning his post. “Two stunning political moments in the past 24 hours: [Utah Governor Cox’s] eloquent appearance just now…and Bernie Sanders’s extraordinary statement yesterday.”
In stark contrast, former President Donald Trump’s response to Kirk’s assassination diverged significantly. While Trump condemned the killing, he also suggested that the incident was a result of actions by the “radical left,” framing the event within a partisan context. This rhetoric has been criticized for potentially inflaming divisions and undermining efforts to foster a unified condemnation of political violence.
