A campus divided: Free speech under fire
Kirk’s appearance at Utah Valley University was controversial from the start. An online petition demanding the university ban his event garnered nearly 1,000 signatures, with critics labeling him a “dangerous extremist.” The university, however, stood by its commitment to free speech, stating in a September 3rd release that it “supports intellectual inquiry and constructive dialogue.”
Just last week, Kirk tweeted about the backlash, posting screenshots of news clips with the caption: “What’s going on in Utah?” His question now hangs ominously over the tragedy.
The event itself was tense. Moments before the shooting, an audience member questioned Kirk about mass shooters, asking:
“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” Kirk replied, “Too many.” The questioner followed up: “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?” Kirk responded, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Then the shot fired.
Former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was present, told Fox News that the shot “sounded close” and that security was inadequate.
“Utah is one of the safest places on the planet,” Chaffetz said, visibly shaken. “And so we just don’t have these types of things.”
Yet they do now.