LI Lawmaker Unveils Legislation To Counter Political Violence In Honor Of Charlie Kirk, Melissa Hortman

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — After the deadly shooting of Charlie Kirk, one Long Island lawmaker is introducing legislation to address political violence on the local level.

"In the wake of the horrific assassination of political activitist Charlie Kirk and Minnesota State Legislator Melissa Hortman," Southampton Town Councilman Michael Iasilli said he has introduced legislation in their honor — and in honor of all other victims of political violence — to enhance political discourse.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University. Video from the event shows Kirk falling from his chair as a shot was fired in his lower neck.

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," Trump said in a Truth Media post. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

A suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was in custody Friday, according to state and federal law enforcement officials. Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah, was identified as the suspect arrested and accused of killing Kirk.

"We got him," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said during a press conference announcing the arrest.

In a rare moment of congressional unity, the U.S. Senate and House unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution honoring former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who were killed during a targeted political attack in June.

The resolution also condemns political violence and calls on Americans and elected officials to reaffirm their commitment to democracy and civil discourse.

According to Iasilli, a Democrat, Republican Speaker of the House, Rep. Mike Johnson, established a Commitment to Civility for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2017, which was signed on in a bipartisan fashion by Democrats and Republicans, to reduce partisan attacks and enhance respectful dialogue.

Iasilli said the goal is to adopt Speaker Johnson’s document on the local level to help generate more civility. Governor Spencer Cox (R) of Utah has publicly encouraged lawmakers throughout the country to find an "off ramp" to the escalating political tension and violence in America, he said.

Iasilli said he sees the effort as a "small step to incentivize all elected officials in local, county, and state offices to do the same, and to encourage all elected officials to lower the political temperature" and find common ground across the board.

"Even on the local level, we can make a difference. I am devastated and shocked at how I am left feeling over a person who I didn’t follow too closely, nor did I agree with on most issues. That said, the shock and horror of the events that we all witnessed on September 10, prompts us to collectively re-commit ourselves to freedom and civility," Iasilli said. "My sincerest condolences are with Kirk’s family. May we all find a path toward peace within the work we do."

The aim is that, with the legislation, policymakers can commit to mutual respect and collaboration. The memorializing legislation accomplishes several missions for officials to sign on to, including common aims to serve the people of Southampton Town, "to work with one another and the leaders of our respective parties to encourage greater confidence in our organizations, and to set an example for younger generations that will follow."

The legislation also states: "We are dedicated to showing proper respect to one another and all others, encouraging productive dialogue, and modeling civility in our public and private actions. Though we may disagree on matters of law and policy, we will strive at all times to maintain collegiality and the privilege of our office."

Iasilli added the the legislation continues: "We understand that a leader can be cooperative and conciliatory without compromising one’s core principles, and we will remember that our political rivals are not our enemies, but rather our colleagues, friends, and neighbors.We appreciate that maintaining a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation will help make local government work more efficiently and effectively, help build consensus and restore the public trust, and ultimately, serve as a positive influence on the community at large."