Kelly contrasts Trump ‘trying to exploit’ Kirk’s death with Cox urging unity

Published September 14, 2025 1:00pm ET



Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) condemned President Donald Trump for not seeking to unify the nation after conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murder, saying “both sides of the political spectrum” are victims of political violence.

Kelly said Kirk’s murder will have a “long-term impact” on people and said he hopes people will ask themselves if they are getting information trying to “exploit” or “unify” the United States. He credited Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) for doing the latter after Kirk’s shooting.

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