Despite what people might have thought about Charlie Kirk, his assassination wasn’t warranted, and no one deserves to be killed in the manner that he was. Regardless of that, Kirk was still very much actively engaged in hostile conversations that targeted the freedoms of those he interacted with and reveled in tackling out-of-context points via public debates. For many people, this was an upsetting practice that very much led to their dislike of Kirk as a whole. This was felt by three members of the Chula Vista City Council in San Diego, California, as they walked out of a speech held by the mayor, honoring Charlie Kirk.
The above video takes place inside the Chila Vista City Council discussion room as Mayor John McCann adjourns the meeting. However, just before actually beginning his statement, he takes a moment to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk. This mention continues on to describe Kirk as “a public figure who inspired many for the cause of free speech, political engagement, and youth leadership.”
While the mayor continues to speak highly about Kirk, you can see three different Councilmembers get up from their seats and leave the room. At one point in the mention, you can hear Major McCann stutter, as though appalled that people would get up and leave, even go so far as to let the door slam on their way out. When the speech ended and the meeting was officially adjourned, you could see a gentleman who had removed his hat at the start put it back on and walk toward the Councilmen, thanking the Mayor for his words.
Commentators under the Reddit video were also shocked at John McCann’s words, with one of the top comments saying, “So weird. Putting all politics aside, he was a pundit and a political organizer and social media personality. He wasn’t a civil rights legend, a military hero, or even a President. Did they do a moment of silence for real heroes who perished?” I have to agree with this sentiment because, unfortunately, Kirk isn’t the first person to be killed this year.
While that doesn’t make his death any less important, it does undermine everyone else in the United States who were killed as a result of their beliefs. The narrative of Kirk’s death will likely continue for a long time as a ‘cautionary tale’ for those who wish to continue spreading hate. I’m very much hoping that it will instead inspire more people to focus on the lack of gun restrictions in the country.
