By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Trump announced the suspected gunman had been apprehended and will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Trump and other Republicans have used the tragedy to attack the political left, despite the lack of motive or confirmation of the killer’s political affiliation. Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief of Zeteo, argued against this framing, pointing out the majority of political violence comes from the right. Hasan expressed hope for the capture of the alleged killer and empathy for Kirk’s family, while also condemning his past rhetoric and anti-immigrant stances.
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Mehdi Hasan, the editor-in-chief of *Zeteo*, is right on the money. Donald Trump is, predictably, leveraging the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk to further demonize the left. This isn’t a surprise, not to anyone paying attention. He was already in the process of doing it. The playbook is well-established: exploit a sensitive situation, amplify division, and point fingers at the “other side.” It’s a dangerous game, and it’s being played with lives.
Before the dust even had a chance to settle, Trump began to attack the left. We knew this was coming. This is what happens when you’ve got a figure who doesn’t take advice from anyone, and who’s going to do what he wants regardless of the facts. This is not about justice or finding the truth; it’s about political gain. It’s about sowing discord and rallying his base. It’s a clear and present danger.
The truth is, Trump sees this as an opportunity. He’s going to fan the flames of anger and resentment within a certain segment of the population. As someone in the South, the situation is obvious: he is actively trying to undermine the goodwill of the masses. He is driving towards a vision of America that is a divisive one.
What’s particularly infuriating is how predictable this is. The moment a tragedy like this happens, the right-wing machine cranks into action. The accusations fly, the narratives are crafted, and the blame is assigned – all before any investigation can even begin. It’s a cynical and manipulative strategy, and it’s one that has been honed over years.
The Democratic party, unfortunately, often falls short. Rather than matching MAGA’s fire, they often opt for a more conciliatory approach. The suggestion that they need to politicize the situation to their advantage is a valid one. They have more than enough good ground to stand on right now.
The reality is a Republican killed Kirk. The left had nothing to do with Kirk’s murder. It feels like a deliberate attempt to manufacture an excuse for further division and potential escalation. This is a familiar pattern, and it’s a deeply concerning one.
This isn’t just about politics; it’s about fundamental principles. It’s about the kind of society we want to live in. Are we going to allow ourselves to be manipulated by those who seek to divide us? Are we going to let hate and fear dictate the terms of our discourse? It’s clear that the right is actively working against the unity of the nation.
The response to this needs to be strong and decisive. It requires more than just condemnation; it demands action. It demands a commitment to unity, to truth, and to the principles of justice.
As we can see in Kirk’s own words, the guy was a divisive figure. His rhetoric was often hateful.
The unfortunate truth is this: Trump’s primary objective is to destroy anyone who disagrees with him. He would sacrifice unity and even the country’s well-being for his own personal gain.
The real concern is that this is part of a larger strategy. It feels like the first step toward a darker and more authoritarian future.