Hobbs, AZ Sports Media Figure Face Backlash Over Response To Charlie Kirk Assassination
By Matthew Holloway |
In the wake of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination, comments from Arizona Democrats and some media figures struck a sour note Thursday. Their remarks drew swift and widespread condemnation across social media.
Most prominently, an initial comment from Governor Katie Hobbs calling for “lowering the temperature of our politics” has generated outrage, seen by many as a critique of Kirk.
Hobbs wrote in a statement, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I am saddened for Charlie’s family, friends, and Arizonans as they mourn his loss, and I am saddened for our country as our politics have descended into horrific violence. This tragedy is not about who Charlie Kirk supported politically. It is about the devastating loss of a father, a neighbor, and an Arizonan who called this state home, and whose life was cut short by senseless violence.”
Hobbs’ statement took a turn, however, with her adding, “We must stand together in rejecting violence, lowering the temperature of our politics, and recommitting ourselves to the values of civility, respect, and community that American democracy requires.”
The comments from Arizonans in general and groups like the Arizona Free Enterprise Club (AZFEC) were immediate and scathing.
“Katie Hobbs uses Charlie Kirk’s assassination to lecture conservatives that they need to ‘lower the temperature.’ Everything Charlie did was civil, engaging political opponents in open dialogue with ideas and arguments. Sorry Katie, we won’t back down,” AZFEC posted on X.
Garrett Lewis, Host of The Afternoon Addiction on 550 KFYI, replied, “All Charlie did was have civilized discussions and he showed respect to everyone, including those that disagreed with him. You evil freak.”
Pro-life commentator ‘Sanctity of Life’ responded with a harsh critique writing, “What should concern you and others who are prominent in the Democrat party is to change the tone of the party rhetoric that incites violence. Until that happens no one will take you Democrats seriously. We’re sick of being demonized and threatened for disagreeing with you!”
Gerald Bourguet, the now-former Lead Suns writer for PHNX Sports and co-host of the Phoenix Suns Podcast, was severely criticized after posting a lengthy thread blasting Kirk just hours after his death. The post resulted in PHNX Sports making “the decision to part ways,” early Thursday morning.
In a post to X announcing the decision, PHNX Sports wrote, “The opinions expressed by our employees do not represent the views of PHNX or ALLCITY Network. We take matters involving violence very seriously and are committed to ensuring that ALLCITY remains a safe place for our employees and community alike. We have addressed this matter with the individual and made the decision to part ways.”
The decision was praised by Tyler Bowyer of Turning Point USA, who wrote, “As a subscriber to @PHNX_Sports, thank you @Espo for making the right decision. Won’t forget that.”
As of this report, no public reaction has been issued by the Phoenix Suns.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
