Nevada Leaders Condemn Charlie Kirk’s Murder as Political Violence Escalates
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder, has shocked the nation, highlighting rising political violence. Kirk, who had millions of followers across social media and his podcast, was a prominent voice in national politics. He made several visits to Nevada, notably speaking to thousands of students at the University of Nevada in 2024.
Several Nevada politicians and political figures took to social media to condemn the murder of Kirk, which occurred during a college event in Utah, reflecting the state's concern over rising political violence. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D) expressed horror at the "attempt on Charlie Kirk's life," stating that "political violence is an attack on our democracy, and we cannot tolerate it in this country." The Nevada GOP called Kirk a "courageous patriot" and demanded justice for the "horrific act of violence." Senator Jacky Rosen (D) was "deeply disturbed" by the shooting, emphasizing that "political violence has absolutely no place in our country." Former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt (R) posted twice, first blaming "fanatical left wingers" for the attack and later expressing devastation, praying for Kirk’s family after his death was confirmed. These reactions highlight Nevada’s bipartisan outrage and align with broader national concerns about escalating political hostility.
Nevada has faced its share of political violence, with incidents involving attacks on and by political figures spanning from historic shootings to contemporary threats. A significant early case occurred in 1921, when U.S. Senator Charles Henderson, a Democrat and former Nevada governor, was shot by Frank Stearns, a disgruntled constituent, in his Washington, D.C., office over a Nevada land deal dispute. Henderson recovered swiftly, and Stearns, who surrendered immediately, was later imprisoned. Though rare for its time, this attack established a troubling precedent for how personal grievances or policy disagreements could escalate into violence against Nevada’s elected officials.
In recent years, physical attacks on Nevada politicians have been rare, but verbal assaults and death threats have surged, mirroring national trends. The polarized climate, amplified by social media and divisive issues has heightened risks for political leaders.
In 2022, a Reno man was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for issuing death threats against Former Governor Steve Sisolak (D), State Treasurer Zach Conine (D), and former Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson (D). These threats, rooted in anti-government sentiments, highlighted the vulnerability of state officials.
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D) has also been a target. In 2023, a Las Vegas man received a nearly four-year federal prison sentence for sending antisemitic threats against Rosen and her family, motivated by her support for Israel. Months later, another Nevada man was arrested for leaving voicemails threatening to assault, kidnap, and murder her. These incidents reflect a broader wave of harassment against Jewish politicians nationwide.
In a stark reversal, one of Nevada’s most shocking recent cases involves a politician as the alleged perpetrator. In 2022, Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles, a Democrat, was charged with the fatal stabbing of investigative journalist Jeff German. German’s reporting had exposed alleged misconduct in Telles’ office, prompting a motive tied to personal and professional grievances. This case stands out as a rare instance of alleged political violence by a Nevada official, targeting a journalist holding power to account.
Nevada’s lawmakers have countered the rising wave of threats with measures like the 2023 Election Worker Protection Act, which strengthens penalties for intimidating public officials. Although no Nevada politicians have faced fatal attacks, the assassination of Charlie Kirk (R) and the attempted assassination of President Trump (R) underscore the lethal potential of political violence. From the 1921 shooting of Senator Henderson to the 2022 Telles case and ongoing threats against figures Sen. Rosen (D), Nevada’s history reveals a disturbing trend. As the state confronts this reality, its leaders and citizens must strive to promote dialogue and accountability while resisting the growing shadow of violence.
