Kirk assassination could offer "reset" moment, House leader says

Above,  Rep. Bradley H. Jones of Reading, MA.

Ella Adams | SHNS

After the House on Monday held a moment of silence for conservative political figure Charlie Kirk, the chamber's top Republican told reporters that he hopes people can "reflect" on Kirk's death and "use it as an opportunity, hopefully, to reset."

House Minority Leader Brad Jones said he requested the moment of silence Monday morning to recognize Kirk's impact, and "more importantly, the impact his assassination hopefully will have on civil discourse."

"We have lost the capacity to talk to each other. We see little things that erode it. One of the things, I think, over the years, you know — I debate on the floor. I don't mention people's names, because as soon as you have names, it's personal, and as soon as it's personal, it's remembered. And so you need to find ways to have that dialogue and that discourse," Jones said outside of the House chamber.

"I think, you know, one thing that Charlie Kirk did, was he would go and have those dialogues face to face. That's a good thing," the North Reading Republican added.

Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The latest example of political violence drew widespread condemnations from those across the aisle, including from the Healey administration.

"Violence has no place in our politics — ever. What happened to Charlie Kirk is horrific and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms," Healey wrote on social media last week. "The growth of political violence in our country must be stopped."

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll added to the chorus last Thursday during a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony, calling on those in the audience to "never accept acts that undermine the democratic ideals that we hold dear."

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Some regional events have been posted that honor Kirk's memory:

MILFORD VIGIL

WHERE: Draper Memorial Park, Milford, MA

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 17 beginning at 7PM

BOSTON VIGIL

WHERE: Boston Common (139 Tremont St, Boston, MA)

WHEN: Thurday, Sept. 18 beginning at 7PM

RSVP: Facebook page

BILLERICA VIGIL

WHERE: Billerica Town Common, Billerica, MA

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 23 beginning at 7PM