Student political leaders weigh in on political violence, gun control

Last Wednesday, Utah Valley University saw the killing of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Co-founder and Executive Director Charlie Kirk. Now, leaders of Troy’s Turning Point USA and College Democrats are weighing in on political violence and gun control. 

Kirk was a right-wing conservative activist who became widely known for his open debates held at colleges across America. It was at one of these open debates at Utah Valley University that he was killed. 

It’s important to note that a motive for Kirk’s killing has not yet been identified by authorities. Political violence, according to the National Library of Medicine, is defined as the use of harm with the intent to achieve political goals.  

In a press release, TPUSA at Troy University said people must always strive to speak with civility, discuss views with faith and respect and uphold the principles of the First Amendment. 

“In this horrific time for our nation, let it be known that we cannot condone political violence of any kind,” TPUSA said in the release. “America is not a country where one should ever be killed for standing firm in their beliefs.”  

In a press release, College Democrats said political violence has no place in a healthy democracy. 

“No matter our differences, resorting to hatred and violence undermines the very foundations of our nation,” College Democrats of Troy University said in the release. “We firmly denounce this act and all forms of political violence, regardless of party or ideology.” 

President of College Democrats of Troy University Markcus Cooper said, as a politically active college student, he felt terrified of what is to come following Kirk’s killing. Cooper also said, though, that he did not feel personally afraid for his safety following the shooting. 

President of TPUSA at Troy University Caitlyn Harris said there is a set of fear that followed Kirk’s killing. She said claims people have made online saying Kirk deserved to be killed can go back to most Turning Point students. 

“Most of us believe, if not all of what Charlie said, most of what Charlie said,” Harris said. “When we see that outreach of people saying that they’re glad that he’s dead, you’re wishing that to me.  

“You’re wishing that to my chapter members. You’re wishing that to my friends and my family.” 

Cooper emphasized the importance of civility in America through political differences. 

“I just think it’s very important that we continuously remind people who are in positions, especially those who align with more extremist views – whether they be liberal or republican leaning – that it’s OK to have differing opinions, but to meet it with any type of violence or retaliatory manner is not correct,” Cooper said. 

The day after the shooting, authorities found a gun they believe was used to kill Kirk. That gun was a Mauser 98, a common bolt-action rifle typically used for hunting.  

Harris said despite people claiming her beliefs on gun control would change if someone she knew was killed by a gun, they haven’t. 

“My views have never faltered on that,” Harris said. “It was a recollection moment; it never faltered. 

“When things like this happen and when you hear that things like this happen, I don’t want to run to my gun; I want to cling onto that concealed carry permit that I have.” 

Cooper said he believes there should be much more emphasis on gun control and gun laws in America.  

He also believes we have a mental health crisis in America. He said we’re facing it and seeing it every day.  

“More often than not, a high percentage of the individuals engaging in mass shootings or just gun violence in general, they are struggling,” said Cooper. “They should not have access to weapons nor semi-automatic weapons or anything of the sort.” 

Cooper said he thinks the conversation of scaling back on the opportunities for people to purchase firearms needs to come more now. 

“We see this super violent political assassination, politically driven, no if’s or but’s about it, full stop,” Cooper said. “Then we go from this to a school shooting the [same] day that it happened, another school shooting two weeks before that – when will enough be enough is the question we need to answer.  

“Our elected officials need to be the ones to answer that question and use legislation at their fingertips to make the issue stop, because it’s an epidemic in this country, and we see it every day getting worse and worse.” 

As for solutions on beginning to heal America, Cooper believes the place to start is figuring out how to remove President Trump from office. 

He said he believes further solutions are figuring out where America goes following what he called the most divisive four years we will experience in this country; figuring out how to reunify and come back together as a country with differing opinions; denouncing lies, misinformation and disinformation; and seeking to understand differing opinions. 

“I think it’s important for all of those things to happen in order for the rhetoric to cool, the temperature to cool and everyone’s emotions to cool,” Cooper said. 

Harris said she believes people need to look into their political beliefs and why they believe what they believe, and people need to find faith again in America. 

“I don’t think it’s a left problem,” Harris said. “I don’t think it’s a right problem.  

“I don’t think it’s a gun problem. I think it’s a heart problem.  

I think as a nation we need to look into our faith. We need to look into what even causes this to happen in the first place.  

If we dive deep into our faith and find the love of Jesus, it all falls into place, so even above looking into your political beliefs, first comes faith.” 

Those interested in learning more about College Democrats of Troy University and TPUSA at Troy University can visit their Instagram pages @troyudemocrats and @tpusatroy.