Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) is urging Democrats and Republicans to set aside partisanship and show greater compassion in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, warning that political finger-pointing risks deepening divisions.
What Happened
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Suozzi said he was “disappointed” by the lack of bipartisan response to Kirk’s death, which shocked lawmakers and communities across the country last week. While House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) organized a Capitol vigil in Kirk’s honor, only a handful of Democrats attended.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told reporters he skipped the vigil due to a scheduling conflict, while other Democrats said they were unaware it was happening.
Suozzi’s Call for Compassion
“I wish there was more effort as a group, Democrats and Republicans, to express condolences for his family and for him, and to express the real sadness that it engenders,” Suozzi said.
He warned against the cycle of partisan attacks:
“Punch, counter-punch is the natural reaction of most human beings. But we can’t just keep on doing this. It’s very destructive, and it’s a road to ruin.”
If he had spoken at the vigil, Suozzi said, he would have highlighted Kirk’s own words:
“I saw a couple different times people would ask, ‘What would you want to be remembered for?’ And he said, ‘I want to be remembered for having the courage to live my faith.’ One of the most difficult concepts that Jesus ever had was to love your enemies. And that’s what we need to be doing right now.”
Political Fallout and Partisan Tensions
Despite calls for unity from both Johnson and Jeffries, partisan clashes have flared. Republicans accused Democrats of stoking anti-GOP rhetoric that contributed to Kirk’s killing, while Democrats argue Republicans are equally guilty of inflaming political tensions.
The spotlight has also turned to Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who drew backlash from conservatives for remarks about Kirk’s legacy during an interview with Zeteo. Though she called his death “mortifying” and extended condolences to his family, critics accused her of downplaying his impact.
In response, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) announced plans to force a House vote to censure Omar—a move Suozzi criticized as “very unhelpful.”
Suozzi on Social Media’s Role
The New York Democrat also warned that toxic online spaces are fueling hostility.
“Social media is being corrupted, I think, not only by our foreign adversaries, but also by people trying to get political or financial gain. They’re putting up doctored videos and explosive commentary to get us to hate each other.”
What Happens Next
Lawmakers on both sides have condemned political violence, but the tone in Washington remains fractured. Whether Kirk’s assassination sparks lasting efforts toward bipartisan healing—or deepens partisan divides—remains to be seen.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
