Two young Alabama lawmakers on opposite sides of the political aisle are asking people to “rediscover the power of respectful dialogue” following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Reps. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika, and James Lomax, R-Huntsville, issued a joint statement in response to heightened political rhetoric since Kirk was killed on a college campus in Utah last Wednesday.
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“Civility is not weakness; it is strength. It’s the muscle that keeps our democracy standing tall,” Gray, 39, said. “If we fail to flex it, we risk tearing the very fabric that binds us. That’s why I choose to model respect and restraint — because in the end, it’s not about who shouts the loudest, but who stands tallest when the shouting stops. And I believe we can stand tall — together.”
Prosecutors filed a aggravated murder charge Tuesday (Sept. 16) against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who authorities say held a “leftist ideology” and may have been “radicalized” online before he was arrested for allegedly shooting the conservative activist, The Associated Press reported.
Seeking ‘light in a dark moment’
Politicians on both sides of the aisle are blaming the other for heightened partisan rhetoric.
“Political disagreement should never be settled with violence or in online echo chambers, but by people at the ballot box,” Lomax, 34, said. “Social media is not real life. It may feel satisfying to fire off a hot take, but it rarely changes hearts or minds.
“We don’t have to abandon our principles to elevate our tone. Today’s politics often rewards the most bombastic voices. Yet the leaders who listen carefully, act with dignity, and build trust are the ones who deliver lasting results. I’m looking in the mirror to see how I can do better. I applaud Representative Gray for doing the same and encourage other leaders to reflect on how they can be a light in a dark moment. Even small acts of respect can point us to a brighter tomorrow.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Mary Sell and originally published by Alabama Daily News.
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