HighGround CEO discusses passing of Charlie Kirk

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Wednesday. Kirk was co-founder of Turning Point USA, a Phoenix-based political organization aligned with President Trump. He was 31 years old.

Chuck Coughlin, President and CEO of the political consulting firm HighGround, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the shooting and political implications.

Authorities released images of the suspect they are looking for, as well as other various clues including a palm print, a shoe impression, and a high-powered hunting rifle that was found in an area where the apparent shooter fled.

Coughlin explained how this sparked from political violence, and the dehumanization of opposing views that one may be against. He discussed how important it is in politics to be respectful, love thy neighbor, and be humble.

“…that’s not part of our political culture anymore. That’s not what we do,” Coughlin said, “…we’re always trying to vilify somebody else, and use it for political advantage, and that’s the narrative that we have today.”

Charlie Kirk started Turning Point USA to serve as an alternative for individuals that honed more conservative views. He wanted to give a voice to young people that felt ostracized from thinking a certain way.

“…with bringing young people into the political process,” Coughlin said, “…this became a very important element, particularly in the President’s last campaign…of driving turnout among younger voters.”

According to Coughlin, over 60% of the electorate is 50 or older, as for years the younger generation was not as active in the political process. However, Kirk had gone to many swing states to try and sway younger voters to the political party.