PSU Dems President: Our Great Nation Dies with Acts of Political Violence

Oscar Lakowicz

He/Him

President, Plymouth State University Democrats

9/10/25

Today, September 10th 2025, Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while hosting an event on
the campus of the Utah Valley University. Kirk was a conservative political activist,
husband, and father to two children.

As the President of the Plymouth State University Democrats, it should be no surprise
that I hold vastly different political, social, and economic views than Kirk. Our values
were diametrically opposed in many rights. Kirk held many beliefs that I thought were
wrong and societally damaging. This being said, I could not be more distressed about
his passing.

America is a nation that prides itself on the individual’s ability to speak freely, regardless
of the values they share. We are a nation built on debate, difference, and conflict. The
soul of America lives within our democracy. Whenever acts of political violence are
carried out and innocent lives are lost, I believe that a portion of our great nation dies
with them.

One highlight of this event that stands out as most concerning to me is the location of
the tragedy: a college campus. A campus not unlike ours, filled with voices that echo my
own and so many of my peers. A campus where we have been promised that our
freedom of speech is inalienable, and our rights sacred for the pursuit of knowledge. I
feel less secure in that belief today.

My heart goes out to all that have been impacted by today’s events. Having spoken to
many of my peers, both liberal and conservative, it is clear that Kirk meant so much to
so many. Kirk’s family will be in my mind these coming weeks, and I can only hope that
their grieving can eventually be soothed