“While I did not agree with Mr. Kirk’s rhetoric, and considered him to be an anti-Black bigot, I will never rejoice at the loss of life of anyone who hasn’t directly participated in the unaliving of a member of the Black Afrikan race,” Johnson wrote. He added, “I am ashamed to see members of my community celebrating this situation. I will never ask you to mourn the loss of an enemy of our race, but to celebrate an unaliving is completely unacceptable.”

Kirk, 31, co-founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was killed Wednesday night after a gunman opened fireplace throughout his speech on gun violence in America. He was struck within the neck roughly 20 minutes into his remarks. Videos from the occasion confirmed panic contained in the auditorium as viewers members rushed for security.

Federal investigators confirmed Thursday that they recovered a rifle believed to have been used within the taking pictures. The FBI’s Salt Lake City subject workplace has not launched particulars a couple of suspect or potential motive.

The killing sparked fast political responses. Former President Donald Trump issued a press release on Truth Social, calling Kirk “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” Trump praised him as a strong voice for conservative youth and prolonged condolences to Kirk’s spouse, Erika, and his household.

For Johnson, the tragedy represents a deeper cultural take a look at. He acknowledged Kirk’s report of inflammatory speech however insisted that vengeance mustn’t dictate ethical response. “Justice cannot be measured through vengeance,” he cautioned, framing his message as a reminder that violence leaves solely grief, no matter ideology.