Utah Governor Faces GOP Backlash Following Charlie Kirk Shooting

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has emerged as a voice of reason and unity following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling for peaceful dialogue and condemning divisive rhetoric from figures like Steve Bannon, who has criticized Cox harshly. Despite a bitter history with Kirk—who once sought Cox’s expulsion from the Republican Party over disagreements on transgender policies—the governor expressed admiration for Kirk's writings and urged young conservatives to reject anger and social media-fueled rage. Cox also revealed that President Trump, deeply angered by Kirk’s death and aware of the dangers of political violence due to his own near-assassination, warned him about escalating threats to GOP figures. While Trump has publicly blamed the 'radical left' for influencing the assassin, Cox emphasized the need to investigate the motives and prevent future violence without fueling further division. Cox criticized conflict entrepreneurs who benefit from polarization and urged Americans to avoid radicalization, contrasting with Trump’s more confrontational stance. His approach has drawn praise for promoting unity amid a politically charged atmosphere following Kirk's killing.