JD Vance appears to have made a significant mistake during a speech to supporters regarding the death of Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was fatally shot while delivering a speech at a college event in Utah. His untimely death incited a strong reaction from his supporters and allies.
Kirk, a far-right activist, was known for his stringent views. He had labeled the Civil Rights Act as a ‘mistake’, opposed women’s reproductive rights, was against LGBTQ+ rights, and on one occasion stated that some gun deaths were acceptable to uphold Second Amendment rights in the United States.
In connection with Kirk’s death, Tyler Robinson, 22, has been apprehended and charged. Prosecutors are aiming for the death penalty if he is found guilty of the murder.
Kirk’s supporters have utilized his death as a platform to criticize ‘radicals’ in America, frequently attacking ‘leftists’ in their public addresses.
Vance was speaking at an event organized by the far-right group Turning Point USA, which Kirk co-founded. However, during his speech, Vance seemed to make a critical error.
In what appeared to be a slip, Vance stated: “If you miss Charlie Kirk, do you promise to fight what he died for?”
This statement might have been intended as ‘fight for what he died for’, but instead, it came across as if Vance was urging people to oppose Kirk.
The video spread across social media, where many highlighted the apparent error. Several noted that Kirk’s murder occurred while Trump, an ally of Kirk’s, was in office.
One individual commented: “Take the country back from…the Trump administration?”
Another echoed this sentiment, writing: “Take it back? They’re the ones with all the power right now. Lol”
Someone else took it a step further, suggesting that it was ‘one person’ responsible for Kirk’s death and accused Vance of taking advantage of his friend’s murder for political purposes.
They noted: “It was one person who took Charlie Kirk’s life and Vance is exploiting the murder of his friend for political gain.”
Erika Kirk, Kirk’s widow, has also faced criticism after assuming the role of CEO at Turning Point USA following her husband’s passing.
After Erika shared a Christmas message encouraging people to ‘find some alone time with the Lord and your family’, criticism emerged on social media.
One individual remarked: “I know when I grieve, I always feel better when I go on a massive publicity tour selling books, t-shirts, and supplements.”
Another took the criticism further, writing: “Using Christmas and her dead husband’s name to make money is blasphemy.”