U.S. Rep. Mary Miller on Thursday blamed a rise in political violence on “corrupt media” and the “radical left,” as she joined the two other Republican members of Illinois’ congressional delegation in introducing a resolution honoring suburban Chicago native and conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, who was born in Arlington Heights, was shot dead during a speech at Utah Valley University Wednesday — and his death has renewed worries of escalating political violence in the country. He was a close ally to President Donald Trump and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA.
Kirk also was involved in Bruce Rauner’s successful 2014 gubernatorial campaign, and Rauner also contributed to Turning Point in 2014 and 2015 through his Rauner Family Foundation.
While the House resolution denounces Kirk’s death and pays tribute to his family, his Christian beliefs, and his work with conservative youth, Miller also harshly criticized the media and the “radical left” in a short speech on the House floor.
“His death was not an isolated tragedy. It is part of a disturbing trend in political violence in our country, encouraged by the radical left and amplified by a corrupt media that has gone from being fake to totally evil,” Miller said.
In the resolution, the three wrote that Kirk’s death “must be a Turning Point for the Nation and be proof that Charlie Kirk did not die in vain.”
The resolution condemns the assassination, applauds the quick response of first responders and “reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights of all Americans to assembly peacefully and to express their political views without fear of violence.”
Rep. Darin LaHood called Kirk’s murder a “despicable act of political violence.”
“He was a husband and father who did not deserve to die simply because of his political beliefs,” LaHood said in a statement. “Charlie dedicated his life to advocating for free speech, engaging in civil discourse, and investing in the next generation of Americans.”
Rep. Mike Bost called Kirk’s death “a tragic reminder of just how far our nation has spiraled from the days of political discourse to the depths of political violence.”
The Illinois Freedom Caucus of the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday also paid tribute to Kirk, while placing blame on Democrats for “over-the-top inflammatory rhetoric.”
Pritzker on Wednesday acknowledged recent high-profile acts of political violence and blamed Trump for stirring up violence, using his decision to pardon people who were charged or convicted for their role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol as an example.
“We’ve seen other political violence occur in other states, and I would just say, it’s got to stop,” Pritzker said while addressing reporters. “And I think there are people who are fomenting it in this country. I think the president’s rhetoric often foments it.”
The Freedom Caucus, which includes Miller’s husband, Illinois State Rep. Chris Miller, as its chair, said “Kirk was murdered for being a credible spokesman for conservative ideas,” while calling on Democrats to call for civility.
“It is time for the leaders on the other side of the aisle to police their own, and to tone down the rhetoric and call for civil discourse and debate,” the caucus said in a statement. “The over-the-top inflammatory rhetoric such as Governor Pritzker saying Republicans should ‘know no peace’ are fomenting hate and violence. We should be able to have a debate on the issues without fear of violence. Period.”