CHICAGO (WLS) — Local residents are reflecting, after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot Wednesday on a Utah college campus.
At a young age, Kirk impressed others with his tireless work ethic and ability to connect.
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Marko Sukovic from Lincolnshire was part of Kirk’s team during the early days of Turning Point USA, a political group that began humbly in a garage beneath a small office in Lemont.
In 2013, along with enthusiastic teenagers who had volunteered for suburban Congressman Bob Dold’s campaign, Kirk made an effort to involve young people in the political process.
“A generation that seemed not to have anyone effectively reaching out from the conservative or center-right perspective,” explained Sukovic.
Kirk graduated from Wheeling High School.
District 214 said Wednesday, “Charlie will always remain part of our community. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”
Cook County Republican Party Chair Aaron Del Mar said he first met Kirk when the young conservative was in high school.
“I just initially thought, ‘he’s a pretty impressive kid, a real go-getter.’ It’s surprising because I know Charlie personally, not just from Facebook or Instagram. I know his family, having spent considerable time with him. He’s genuinely a very good person,” shared Del Mar.
Though Kirk’s views often angered many on the left, his death has drawn universal outrage.
Former President Barack Obama wrote, “This kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.”
“Political violence, unfortunately, is increasing in this nation,” remarked Gov. JB Pritzker. “This needs to end, and certain individuals are contributing to its rise.”
“I am sending my prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Violence, in any form, must be denounced and has no place in our community,” stated Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Northwestern University Professor Erik Nisbet has authored papers on political discourse and divides, and fears political violence has been normalized.
“I think it’s polarization and dehumanization. Our political rhetoric is not only about our political differences nowadays, but it’s about dehumanizing the other, where they’re less than human,” Nisbet said.
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