Contact:
Lura Forcum
(773) 505-2146
lura@independentcenter.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2025
Independent Center Responds to Political Violence in Utah
WASHINGTON, DC – The Independent Center strongly condemns the latest act of political violence in the United States. Today, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, a shooter fired at conservative commenter Charlie Kirk, hitting him in the neck. This latest instance of political violence follows the murders of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) and her husband, Mark, and the shooting of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) and his wife, Yevette, by a deranged, politically-motivated gunman.
Reacting to the shooting at Utah Valley University, Lura Forcum, president of the Independent Center, said, “Our thoughts are with Mr. Kirk and his family, as well as the past victims of political violence. Violence has no place in our civic life. We must treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of disagreement in our political, personal, social, or religious values. Our differences can and should be settled at the ballot box and through our First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, expression, and assembly. Full stop.”
“There is more that unites us than divides us and we believe that our country can find a unified vision and shared path forward. We look to leaders around the country, including elected officials and those in places of worship, to bring the temperature down in the national political dialogue. We need peace in this moment,” Forcum added.
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The Independent Center is the go-to organization for information, research, and engagement with independent voters, who now make up the majority of the electorate. We represent those who are fed up with partisan politics and feel politically homeless. We believe the future is not red or blue; it’s fiscally responsible, socially inclusive, and free to choose the best options for ourselves, our families, and our communities.