Former Democratic Strategist Questions How His Party Would Respond to an Assassination, Citing Past Riots and Celebratory Rhetoric
Former Democratic strategist Dan Turrentine speculated that a hypothetical assassination of a left-wing counterpart to conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk could have sparked riots from members of his own party. The comments were made on Friday’s “The Morning Meeting” with co-host Mark Halperin.
Turrentine’s remarks come in the wake of Kirk’s assassination on September 10, an event that has led to widespread public mourning and peaceful vigils among his supporters. The strategist contrasted this calm response with what he believes would be the likely reaction from the left, referencing a history of protests and civil unrest. “Would our party be as calm?” he asked. “I think, Mark, likely there would be riots potentially.”
The conversation highlighted several recent events that Turrentine believes support his claim. He pointed to the 2020 riots that followed the death of George Floyd, which resulted in an estimated 24 deaths and nearly $1 billion in property damage. Turrentine noted that some Democrats at the time appeared to inflame or downplay the violence.
Tensions have also been high since Kirk’s death. At a vigil for Kirk, left-wing protesters reportedly sang a song that was engraved on the bullet used by his alleged assassin. The New York University College Republicans chapter shared a video on X of the incident, claiming the protesters also threatened their club’s president. Additionally, reports have surfaced of some academics celebrating Kirk’s death, with several individuals subsequently suspended, fired, or expelled from their institutions.
A recent poll by YouGov also found that 25% of “very liberal” individuals believe political violence can be occasionally warranted. This statistic, combined with past instances of violent protests and the celebratory rhetoric observed since Kirk’s death, fueled Turrentine’s speculation. He concluded by saying, “Would I be surprised if there were riots? No, I would not.”
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