Arizona State Representative Rachel Keshel has issued a statement condemning the reaction from some public officials following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Kirk, described as a “fearless advocate for freedom,” was killed in an attack that has left his family and supporters mourning.
Keshel expressed sympathy for Kirk’s family, stating, “The murder of Charlie Kirk is a heinous political assassination that has left his beautiful wife and young children without a husband and father, and left millions of Americans grieving the loss of a fearless advocate for freedom. My heart breaks for the Kirk family, and my prayers are with them as they endure this unimaginable tragedy.”
She criticized Tucson City Councilwoman Lane Santa Cruz and staffer Benny Gomez for their social media posts about Kirk after his death. According to Keshel, “Santa Cruz took to Instagram to curse Charlie after his death, while Gomez spewed false and hateful rhetoric, dismissing any empathy for him. This is not just cruel—it is dangerous, and they should resign. When public officials celebrate political violence, they legitimize it, embolden it, and invite more of it.”
Keshel also addressed broader concerns about political rhetoric in the country: “For years, the Left has smeared Christians and conservatives as racists, Nazis, and bigots. They are lying to themselves if they cannot see how that relentless demonization has helped create the environment that led to Charlie’s assassination. Hate speech that incites violence is absolutely not covered under the First Amendment.”
She added: “Let me be very clear: Inciting violence is not free speech. Cancel culture is punishing Christians and conservatives for their beliefs. Calling out those who openly rejoice in an assassination is not cancel culture—it is moral clarity. Those who justify or celebrate Charlie Kirk’s murder cross a red line. They are not exercising free speech; they are encouraging violence.”
Keshel concluded her statement by urging unity against divisive language: “Enough is enough. Every American, regardless of political affiliation, should denounce the rhetoric that radicalizes our youth and tears apart our society. To the Kirk family: you are not alone. Millions of us stand with you, and we will not be silent in the face of hatred.”
In related Arizona legislative news, Michael Carbone was elected as a Republican representative to Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023 after replacing Michelle Udall.
