Content Warning: This article contains references to gun violence.
Yesterday, on Utah Valley University’s campus, 1,800 miles from Emory University, an unidentified gunman assassinated Turning Point USA Founder, right-wing commentator and ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk.
Interim University President Leah Ward Sears (80L) provided a statement to the Emory Community in today’s Emory Report addressing Kirk’s assassination.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless killing on the campus of Utah Valley University yesterday that claimed the life of Charlie Kirk,” Sears wrote.
Like Utah Valley, gun violence has affected Emory’s campus earlier this year. On Aug. 8, a gunman shot and killed DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose near Emory Point and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s headquarters.
Sears condemned the violence of Kirk’s assassination in her statement, especially for its occurrence on a college campus. In addition, she urged the community to foster a warm environment where all guests can be safe and enter without fear of violence.
“In moments like these, all Americans must stand together and reject violence everywhere, always,” Sears wrote. “We must also remain steadfast in ensuring that our college campuses are safe, welcoming spaces, so that even the most challenging and important debates can take place with respect and dignity.”
If you or someone you know is struggling in the aftermath of gun violence, you can reach Emory’s Counseling and Psychological Services at (404) 727-7450 or https://counseling.emory.edu/ or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress hotline 24/7 at +1 (800) 985-5990.
Jacob Muscolino (he/him) (28C) is a News Editor at The Emory Wheel. He is from Long Island and plans to major in History and Psychology. Outside of the Wheel, he is involved in Emory Reads and Emory Economics Review. You can often find Jacob watching the newest blockbuster for his Letterboxd, dissecting The New York Times and traveling to the next destination on his bucket list.
