MAGA Exploits Kirk's Death to Further Extremist Agenda

Don't ever let them cow you into submission

Don’t ever let them tell you that political violence is a one-way street. Don’t be cowed into silenced because you’re afraid that they’ll attack you for being insensitive in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death. Don’t let them rewrite history.

Never allow it.

January 6, 2021 was a horrific act of political violence, stirred up by Donald Trump. It was meant to target Democrats and recalcitrant Republicans who were about to cast a vote to certify an election Trump lost.

The following year, a crazy right-wing conspiracy theorist named David Wayne DePape broke into Nancy Pelosi’s house, almost murdering her husband with a hammer in a brutal act of political violence. He carried zip ties, duct tape, gloves, a second hammer, and rope, suggesting that he intended more than just a violent assault. At his trial, DePape claimed that his intent was to target Nancy Pelosi, to hold her hostage, and to “interrogate” her. He also said he would break her kneecaps if she lied.

What was the reaction from the MAGAverse? Shortly after the assault, Donald Trump Jr. posted a social media meme showing underwear and a hammer with the caption: “Got my Paul Pelosi Halloween costume ready.” And he wasn’t the only prominent MAGA figure pushing crazy conspiracy theories about the attack.

The violence against Democrats — which had already begun in 2011 with the horrific assassination attempt on Rep. Gabby Giffords — has been escalating ever since Trump made it acceptable to demonize his opponents in ways no other president had ever attempted.