Following the death of Charlie Kirk, prominent figures across the political spectrum have issued statements. Leading Democrats have condemned the attack, while some Republicans are urging calm. Spencer Cox,the Republican governor of Utah,appealed to students to foster a less angry political culture.

Thomas Friedman, a columnist for the “New York Times”, called on the President to unite the country, advocating for “peace between the Americans.” He suggested that such efforts would be historically important.

despite these calls for unity, it appears unlikely they will be heeded. While the motives of Kirk’s killer remain unclear,Donald Trump has already signaled his intention to use the death to further his political agenda.

During an appearance on “Fox and Friends,” President Trump accused “left-wing radicals” of being the primary problem, stating, “They are malignant. You are terrible.” he also defended “right-wing radicals,” claiming they are reacting to crime and immigration.

Figures like Steve Bannon have amplified this message. Bannon declared that “Die Linke explained America,” and characterized Trump as a “war president” who must focus on “local terrorists like the Antifa.”

This sentiment is echoed in right-wing circles. Podcaster Matt Walsh stated, “It is too late to hold hands. It is the time of justice, the time when the good ones have to fight against the evil.” Blake Masters, aligned with Peter Thiel, posted on X, “This time there are no two sides. political aggression and the desire to violence comes from the left corner.”

John Daniel Davidson, an editor at “The Federalist,” asserted, “We can no longer share our country with our left.” Elon Musk also weighed in, posting on X, “Fights or dies.”

The Roots of Political Violence

“The right -wing radicals are radical because they no longer want to see crimes.”

Though, focusing solely on Trump and right-wing figures overlooks the deeper issues. Political scientist Robert Pape argued in “Foreign Affairs” that the willingness to engage in violence has structural causes.

Pape argues that demographic shifts are a primary driver. In 1990, 76 percent of Americans identified as white, but by 2023, that number had fallen to 58 percent. This decline has fueled “the rage level of the conservatives,” who see ethnic diversity as an “existential threat.”

Concurrently, tolerance for political violence has increased. Studies indicate that 15 percent of Americans now approve of political violence,and a third of them own weapons. These individuals are not limited to rural areas; over 80 percent live in urban environments, and 38 percent have at least some collage education.

While a civil war is unlikely, “the political fever will not subside in the foreseeable future,” according to Pape.

The hope that “better angels” will prevail, as they did in Lincoln’s time, is uncertain.The attack on Kirk is likely to be used to undermine American democracy.Stephen Miller, a key advisor to Trump, has claimed that many Americans in positions of power have been “deeply radicalized” and that a “broad ecosystem of indoctrination” exists.

The goal is to dismantle this supposed left-wing ecosystem, making it unlikely that “good angels” will prevail.