Sen. Bernie Sanders on Thursday released a nearly four-and-a-half-minute video calling attention to what he described as "a disturbing rise in political violence" following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, warning that the trend could deter people from participating in public life.
In the video, Sanders said disagreement is central to democracy and that resorting to violence is "political cowardice." "Every American, no matter what one's political point-of-view may be, must condemn all forms of political violence and all forms of intimidation," he said. Sanders added that a free society depends on people being able to speak, organize and take part in public life "without worrying that they might be killed, injured or humiliated for expressing their political views."
Kirk was shot and killed on Sept. 10, 2025, on the campus of Utah Valley University, an event that set off a wave of outrage across social media after posts celebrating the assassination were shared widely. Lawmakers from both parties publicly denounced the killing and called for an end to political violence.
"This is beyond terrible," Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., said, adding that Kirk was a husband, father and son and that "violence is never the answer." Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he was "deeply disturbed about the threat of violence that has entered our political life" and urged Americans to remember that "every person, no matter how vehement our disagreement with them, is a human being and a fellow American deserving of respect and protection."
Memorials honoring Kirk have taken place across the United States and overseas, including in Berlin, according to reports. The shooting has also intensified concerns among lawmakers and staff about security on Capitol Hill and at public events.
Kirk had posted months earlier about what he called an emerging "assassination culture" on the left, citing a social media post in April that referenced a study by the Network Contagion Research Institute. In that post, Kirk wrote that significant shares of liberals said it would be at least somewhat justified to murder high-profile figures, a claim he used to warn his followers about rising hostility and threats of violence.
Sanders, who has long been a vocal critic of many conservative policies and figures, emphasized in his remarks that political disagreement is part of democratic life and must be resolved through argument and persuasion rather than force. "If you think violence is the answer, you are simply a coward," he said in the video, urging national condemnation of the killing.
The assassination and the subsequent social media response have prompted calls from leaders across the political spectrum for restraint and reflection. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of Kirk's death, and public debates over political rhetoric, threats and security measures are likely to persist as lawmakers and institutions consider how to prevent further attacks while protecting free speech and civic engagement.
Sanders concluded his remarks by reiterating that the essence of freedom and the Constitution lies in protecting the right of people to dissent and participate in public life without fear. "The murder of Charlie Kirk is part of a disturbing rise in political violence that threatens to hollow out public life and make people afraid of participating," he said.
