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Left-Wing Violence on the Rise After Charlie Kirk Assassination

9 months ago
5 Min Read

Since Kirk’s assassination, a number of seemingly politically motivated attacks have occurred. Additionally, left-wing academics who celebrated Kirk’s murder have found themselves suspended or fired.

The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk prompted widespread denunciations from across the political spectrum. Yet, some media figures, including comedian Jimmy Kimmel and former MSNBC commentator Matthew Dowd, framed the event differently—Kimmel suggesting conservatives were to blame for one of their own, and Dowd contending Kirk’s views made such outcomes foreseeable.

Kirk’s death has reignited debate about political violence. While many on the left maintain it is primarily a right-wing issue, often citing the events of January 6, 2021, questions have emerged about the accuracy of data frequently used in this discussion. Analysts argue the Anti-Defamation League’s statistics, relied on by outlets like The Washington Post, significantly overstate right-wing culpability by attributing political motives to crimes that may not have been ideologically driven. Meanwhile, recent trends point to a noticeable rise in violent incidents targeting conservative figures. In the wake of Kirk’s assassination, a number of ideologically motivated violent crimes by left-wing actors has occurred while a number of individuals have come under criticism for celebrating the assassination.

“Free Palestine” Shooter at NH Country Club

Hunter Nadeau, 23, has been charged in connection with a deadly shooting at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire. Authorities say the attack occurred Saturday evening during a wedding reception, leaving 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare dead and several others injured—some from gunfire and others from the chaos as guests fled. Nadeau, a former employee of the country club who left the job about a year ago, was taken into custody shortly after the incident.

Despite witnesses reporting that Nadeau shouted phrases such as “Free Palestine” during the shooting, officials say there is no evidence the attack was motivated by ideology or hate. Instead, investigators suggest the statements may have been intended to create confusion and fear. Meanwhile, DeCesare has been remembered by his family as a husband and father who tried to protect his loved ones in the final moments of his life.

Nadeau appeared in court via video and waived formal arraignment. He is being held without bail, and prosecutors have signaled additional charges may follow as investigators account for the other victims. A probable-cause hearing is scheduled for October 1, 2025. Prosecutors argue Nadeau’s actions were deliberate, though the full scope of his charges remains under review.

Former Teachers Union Lobbyist Shoots up California News Station

Anibal Hernandez Santana, a 64-year-old retired Sacramento lobbyist and lawyer, has been charged in connection with a shooting at the ABC10 television station. Authorities allege that he first fired a shot into the air from a sidewalk within a school zone before driving to the station’s lobby and firing three more rounds. No injuries were reported, but investigators quickly tied Santana to the attack through surveillance, witness accounts, and physical evidence.

Prosecutors say evidence recovered from Santana’s vehicle and home reveals troubling details. A handwritten note found in his car referenced Trump-era figures Kash Patel, Dan Bongino, and Pam Bondi, as well as “C.K. from above,” believed to mean Charlie Kirk. It read: “For hiding Epstein & ignoring red flags. Do not support Patel, Bongino, & AG Pam Bondie. They’re next. – C.K. from above.” Investigators also discovered a calendar entry on the day of the shooting with the phrase, “Do the Next Scary Thing.” Forensics linked a 9 mm handgun to shell casings at the scene, and gunshot residue was found on Santana’s hands. KCRA report.

Federal prosecutors have charged Santana with interfering with a radio communications station and discharging a firearm within a school zone. State charges, which may include assault with a semi-automatic firearm and shooting into an inhabited building, are also expected. The Sacramento County District Attorney has described the shooting as politically motivated. However, Santana’s defense attorney has criticized the federal counts, arguing they may be a legal stretch and suggesting prosecutors are using them to detain Santana while the broader investigation continues.

Academics Fired or Placed on Leave Celebrating Kirk’s Assassination

Clemson University fired a number of individuals, both staff and faculty, after they posted “inappropriate” content on their social media after Kirk’s assassination. The school said “We fully acknowledge the concerns raised regarding the timing of recent personnel decisions. Every deliberation reflects the University’s unwavering commitment to conduct all actions in full compliance with institutional policies, state and federal laws, and the foundational principles of due process. Clemson remains resolute in its commitment to cultivating an environment that is safe, respectful and conducive to academic excellence.”

A law professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock was suspended for comments on social media related to the Kirk assassination that the Arkansas Governor called “vile” and “disgusting.” A number of Arkansas politicians have called for the firing of Professor Felicia Branch, who posted on Facebook that she “will not pull back from CELEBRATING that an evil man died by the method he chose to embrace.”

At UCLA, the school’s director of race and equity was suspended after his posts saying “it is OKAY to be happy when someone who hated you and called for your people’s death dies—even if they are murdered.” UCLA officials said Perkins has been placed on leave pending an investigation, saying “While free expression is a core value of UCLA, violence of any kind — including the celebration of it — is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”