Charlie Kirk assassination sparks concern over online political rhetoric

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — As the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination ramps up, so too does the battle online.

“It’s often at times when we are at our most heated and most divided that someone decides the only recourse is a gun,” said Ryan Skinnell, Professor of Rhetoric and Writing at San Jose State University, noting that what we’re witnessing right now is not only divisive but premature.

“We don’t really don’t really know who the shooter was, we don’t know motives, we don’t know anything about what the political or non-political circumstances may be,” he continued.

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“I’m getting texts from all over the country from my friends in conservative circles, both at the grassroots level and at the political level, where I operate. And the bluer the state, the more frightened and the more furious people are,” said Melanie Morgan, a longtime conservative activist and former radio talk show host.

Meanwhile in San Francisco’s Mission District, a community conversation on Thursday night.

“There are a lot of people who are yelling at each other right now who are shaming each other, calling for more violence,” said Manny Yekutiel, Manny’s owner. “The whole reason why we built this place is to be able to have high-quality, in-person dialog.”

“I hope people come and are authentic and share their true feelings,” said Precious Green. “I hope that people will definitely put down their phones. This is not the sort of thing that needs to be processed on social media.”