By: Annaliese Bowser
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks before Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, arrives at the Turning Point Believers’ Summit, July 26, 2024.
Photo courtesy of AP Photo / Alex Brandon.
“I think it’s disgusting, and I don’t think it should be made into a political thing. When it’s a life or death situation, it’s not Democrat or Republican.”
That was the initial reaction of SAU Senior Psychology major Bella Robinson when asked her thoughts on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which occurred Wednesday, September 10.
Kirk, a well-known conservative activist, podcaster, and founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at one of his signature events at Utah Valley University when he was shot.
The shot was one heard around the world — including on the St. Ambrose University campus.
Students and faculty alike expressed their shock and horror at the tragic event, which comes amid a rise in political violence across the United States on both sides of the political spectrum. Earlier in 2025, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence was targeted by an arsonist, and Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed in their home.
This latest event is sparking conversations about where the United States goes from here.
Javier Gonzalez, a sophomore Human Performance and Fitness major, shared his thoughts on the deepening divide in American politics:
“In today’s day and age, people are so separated by politics. That should definitely be changed. Everyone should be entitled to their opinion, but not judged for it. That’s definitely something that needs to be more socially acceptable today.”
When asked by “The Buzz,” SAU students described how upsetting and disturbing the shooting was. John Ingram, a sophomore Psychology major, says, “I think it is very sad how we are not able to express our opinions without violent backlash.
“Even though he might have shared some very dangerous ideas, I don’t think violence is the answer at all.”
This sentiment was echoed by TJ Overturf, a freshman Digital Media major.
“No one ever deserves to be shot for expressing what they believe in. I think that goes for anyone. It’s our First Amendment right that we have — freedom of speech, freedom to express what we believe in.”
SAU faculty members also weighed in. Jim Baumann, Professor of Communication, spoke about political violence more broadly:
“I think political violence in our society is terrible. I think gun violence is terrible in our society. And it’s a horrendous event that plagues us.”
As the United States grapples with where to go from here, SAU students and faculty offered their thoughts on what could be done to stop political violence. Some voiced support for gun reform, while others emphasized the need for greater political tolerance.
Connor Forbes, a senior Criminal Justice major, supported stricter gun laws:
“I think we need better gun laws. He was literally talking about gun laws when he got shot.”
Michael Murphy, a first-year graduate student studying for a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, stressed the importance of political acceptance.
“We need to move forward, and as a country we can learn to accept other people’s beliefs.”
Others focused on maintaining constitutional rights while ensuring safety. Karsen Jummati, a sophomore Nursing major, adds, “Honestly, I don’t believe that Second Amendment rights should be taken away, but I think there are a lot of protocols and restrictions that should be put in place so that the right people have the right arms — so that it’s not random people that can buy guns.”
After a short manhunt, the suspect in the shooting was apprehended. Authorities announced 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, from Utah, is suspected to have carried out the assassination. Robinson was turned in by family members and now faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice.
This tragic event has led many across the country — including here at SAU — to reflect not only on how we arrived at this point, but where we must go from here to reform and protect our nation.
As Rylan Moore, a sophomore majoring in Biology, Chemistry, and Theology, put it: “People are going to have their opinions across the board, and there’s not a lot we can do to change people’s opinions. But I think education is important.
“Maybe this — it’s tragic — but maybe it will help people realize that gun violence… there’s no end to it. It’s going to happen, and it’s going to happen everywhere.
“And the only answer is: you accept that it’s happening and you’re okay with it, or you don’t accept it and you fight to end it. And unless we can come together as people to vote for the end, it’s just not going to happen.”
