Historian Draws Parallels Between Current U.S. Political Violence and 1960s Turmoil After Incident Involving Charlie Kirk

Political violence and extreme rhetoric in the United States today bear resemblance to the tumultuous 1960s, albeit with critical differences that make the current period especially challenging, according to presidential historian and ABC News contributor Mark Updegrove.

“The 1960s were another period of significant upheaval, discord, and division,” Updegrove conveyed to ABC News on Thursday, the day following the fatal shooting of conservative youth leader Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. “Within just five years, we witnessed the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X, and in 1968 alone, the successive assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy.”

As FBI agents retrieved what they believed was the murder weapon—a high-powered bolt action rifle—from a wooded area near the scene and continued their search for the suspect, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox described Kirk’s death as a “political assassination.”

This “assassination” prompted Updegrove to accentuate a difference between today’s political violence and that of the 1960s: the influence of social media in amplifying extreme opinions.

“Social media provides a platform to disseminate extreme views from any side with complete impunity,” Updegrove stated. “For those running social media, that provocation equates to engagement. It’s beneficial for their business.”

The historian emphasized that political violence has emerged from across the ideological spectrum.

“It’s happening from all sides, not just the left,” he said. “It’s extremism that we need to prevent in this country.”

Reflecting on former first lady Lady Bird Johnson’s remarks, Updegrove recalled her comment that “the clash of ideas is the sound of freedom.” Nevertheless, he emphasized that while Americans are entitled to hold differing perspectives, violence is never the answer in a democracy.

Kirk’s death could have lasting implications for conservative youth movements, according to Updegrove.

“He was a leader who had great charisma and great impact,” he said, noting Kirk’s significant influence in mobilizing young voters. “He may be martyred… there might be people who rise up and try to fill that gap.”

Reflecting on former first lady Lady Bird Johnson’s words, Updegrove recalled her observation that “the clash of ideas is the sound of freedom.” However, he stressed that while Americans are entitled to different views, violence is never the solution in a democracy.

Kirk’s death could have lasting implications for conservative youth movements, according to Updegrove.

“He was a leader who had great charisma and great impact,” he said, noting Kirk’s significant influence in mobilizing young voters. “He may be martyred… there might be people who rise up and try to fill that gap.”