Polarizing right wing activist remembered by college Republicans
The shooting death of right wing activist Charlie Kirk prompted emotional reactions from young conservatives including at Boston College where a small group of students gathered Wednesday night to mourn the controversial organizer I was shocked mentioned Peter Fitzmaurice of the Boston College Republicans I couldn t believe it -year-old Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at an event Wednesday at Utah Valley University Jake Wiepert of the Boston College Republicans claimed Kirk really just kind of made that effort to appeal to all demographics especially young people Kirk was a polarizing figure who claimed he advocated for limited authorities and free speech often appearing on conservative cable news in assistance of right wing causes spreading misinformation on topics like COVID- and supporting President Donald Trump s false asserts that he had won the voting He received major criticism for multiple of his assertions including conspiracy theories he spread about George Floyd criticism of Martin Luther King Jr and the Civil Rights Act and those blaming diversity equity and inclusion policies for aviation issues He also spoke out against gay marriage and gender-affirming care for transgender people In January Kirk s Turning Point USA organization funded multiple buses to journey Trump supporters to Washington D C in advance of the rally on January that culminated in the deadly violent attack on the U S Capitol When appearing before the House committee analyzing that attack Kirk invoked the fifth amendment privilege against self incrimination I really just hope that people can learn to come together solve their differences through speaking to each other and having conversations Wiepert explained Frequently traveling to college campuses exchanges between Kirk and audience members often went viral on social media with his organization s presence itself becoming controversial on numerous campuses due to his combative style and provocative statements His two young kids growing up without a father is really tragic Boston College Republican Leo Abner disclosed Even when you don t agree with it that s gonna be when it s hardest to hear but to never never resort to violence especially of this sort A gun rights advocate Kirk in a comment shared wildly after his death declared in I think it s worth to have a cost of unfortunately specific gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights Local Republican attendee groups revealed they plan to honor Kirk s memory
