PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – The shock from the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in Utah almost one week ago is still sticking with Americans.
The shooting happened at a college campus, where events centered around political discourse are often held throughout the country.
“We are still going to be an open forum for the people of Wisconsin; there’s no question about that,” said David Siemers, a professor of political science at UW-Oshkosh. “But I do think that those who put together events have to think about security in a more serious way, but also all of us need to reconnect with our humanity.”
Charlie Kirk’s assassination is the latest in a recent string of political violence events; Paul Pelosi, the husband of 52nd speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, was attacked in 2022, there were two assassination attempts on then-candidate Donald Trump in 2024, and the assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in 2025; just to name a few.
Siemers says over-consumption of online, algorithmically curated content and misinformation can lead to people thinking more harshly about individuals on the other side; and he tries to have students with various political opinions engage in respectful discourse face-to-face.
“They actually engage with the other people who have a different perspective from themselves, and that helps them to understand where other people are coming from, and that where they’re coming from is an honest place,” said Siemers.
He added that if your media consumption outrages you, then that’s probably what it’s designed to do. And there are certain individuals who take it too far.
“Assassins usually have this grandiose plan in their mind of how its going to turn out, and of course it never does,” said Siemers.
Peaceful actions that can enact change include voting in elections, contacting your representatives, and/or engaging in civil disobedience or peaceful protests.
Tyler Robinson is the man accused of assassinating Kirk. The 22 year old is being held without bond in Utah. He appeared at a virtual hearing in Provo on Tuesday, where he was informed the state is seeking the death penalty in his case.
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