Former U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz spoke out publicly for the first time after witnessing the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk at a rally in Utah. In an emotional interview on Will Cain’s show, Chaffetz detailed the heart-wrenching moment when Kirk, the conservative figure, was shot. Chaffetz was visibly shaken as he described the atmosphere at the event and emphasized the significance of Kirk’s last words.
Chaffetz shared that Kirk’s message was one of love, faith, and community. “I want his wife and the country to know that,” he asserted, reflecting on the final words spoken by Kirk to the thousands gathered. According to Chaffetz, Kirk’s last moments were centered around his love for Jesus Christ and the power of prayer. He expressed his honor in being present during such a poignant moment but also voiced his frustration at the violence that shattered an event meant for peaceful discourse.
“That’s what we’re feeling in this community right now,” he said, revealing his pain over a senseless act of evil committed in their town. His words echoed the sentiment that this tragedy should not happen anywhere, especially in a place filled with hopeful faces seeking to hear Kirk speak. Chaffetz expressed deep anger towards the alleged shooter, whom he described as embodying “absolute, total, complete evil.”
During the rally, which hosted a significant number of attendees, Chaffetz noted serious lapses in security. He indicated that the police response was lacking. “There is no communication,” he stated, emphasizing his concern for the safety of the community, especially with large groups of students nearby. He demanded answers from law enforcement regarding the shooter’s status, voicing a shared anxiety: “Is there a shooter that’s still out there? And if so, what are we going to do to catch this evil person and make sure that he receives justice?”
Chaffetz’s heightened emotions were palpable, especially as he recounted the moment gunfire erupted during a discussion on a sensitive topic. He revealed that he and his family were seated close to Kirk when the shots rang out, recalling it happened in the midst of a question-and-answer session regarding transgender mass shootings.
“There’s a disturbing possibility,” he added, candidly addressing the timing of the attack with respect to the subject matter being discussed. Chaffetz’s concern represents a broader unease in communities across America regarding safety and security during public events.
In his interview with Martha MacCallum of Fox News, he reiterated the urgency of the situation, calling for better communication from authorities in response to such crises. His thoughts on the state of security reflect a community’s desire for greater vigilance in the face of rising violence.
Ultimately, Chaffetz hopes that Kirk’s legacy will be defined by his message of love and faith. “His message of love, of God, of Jesus Christ, is one that I hope is part of his lasting legacy.” This hope stands in stark contrast to the tragedy that unfolded, underlining the vital importance of community and resilience. The emotional toll of such a horrific event lingers heavily among those left behind, as they grapple with the implications of what occurred during a rally meant to uplift and unite.
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