<\/p>\n
Kirk\u2019s 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.”<\/p>\n
Just last week, Kirk tweeted about the backlash, posting screenshots of news clips with the caption: “What\u2019s going on in Utah?” His question now hangs ominously over the tragedy.<\/p>\n
The event itself was tense. Moments before the shooting, an audience member questioned Kirk about mass shooters, asking:<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was present, told Fox News that the shot “sounded close” and that security was inadequate.<\/p>\n
“Utah is one of the safest places on the planet,” Chaffetz said, visibly shaken. “And so we just don\u2019t have these types of things.”<\/p>\n
Yet they do now.<\/p>\n