The student who engaged in conversation with Charlie Kirk shortly before his tragic death has shared his thoughts on the incident as well as his personal struggles.
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot by an individual whom police suspect was positioned on the roof of a college building during Kirk’s appearance at Utah Valley University.
The fatal incident led to a frantic dispersal among attendees who had gathered to engage in discussion and debate with Kirk, fearing for their safety in the chaos that ensued.
The FBI has since released footage of the suspected shooter, seeking the public’s assistance in locating and apprehending the individual involved.
In an unsettling twist, Kirk was addressing the topic of mass shootings when he was shot, and the student who was conversing with him has released a video offering his perspective on the harrowing event.
Hunter Kozak, the student who interacted with Kirk and who uses the handle ‘staxiom’ online, attends the university and expressed his sorrow over the shooting, calling it a tragedy.
Kozak, who is studying mathematics at UVU, denounced the actions of the shooter and others who might see violence as a solution.
He stated: “It is not the answer, I don’t know what else to say.
“A father doesn’t have his kid anymore, Charlie had two kids and a wife and not to make this about me but I have two kids and a wife.
“If my one year old boy, like his one year old boy will grow up without memories of his dad… it is a tragedy.
“It is hard to grapple with and I am part of a community that is struggling to grapple with it.”
Kozak also commented on the stark irony of discussing gun violence right before Kirk was tragically shot. He mentioned that he was attempting to highlight the peaceful nature of the left, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace.
Many have taken to social media to express their condolences to Kirk’s family and denounce political violence, although, as expected, some have reacted differently.
Kozak criticized those who have celebrated Kirk’s death, urging them to acknowledge his humanity.
He remarked: “If you are salivating about what happened… don’t. I don’t know if any of my audience is but if you are you are not part of what I am trying to build here, at all.”