The assassination of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk has rattled America’s already fractured political landscape, with experts warning of potentially devastating consequences for democratic institutions.
Kristofer Goldsmith, an expert on disinformation and extremism and the founder of Veterans Fighting Fascism, says he fears that the event could fuel further authoritarian power grabs by the Trump administration, and that the political environment in America will get much worse before it improves.
"I don't think that we should be surprised if political assassination is used by the Trump administration and his allies to start grabbing new powers, engaging in more harassment, violence and intimidation, and weaponization of the government against Trump's political enemies," Goldsmith said.
Goldsmith has been studying Kirk's Turning Point USA movement for years. He says Kirk was able to build an army of followers who believed lies about the 2020 election being stolen and other narratives of being an oppressed minority.
"Right now, they are frothing at the mouth," Goldsmith said. "They believe themselves to be revolutionary fighters continuing on the revolution of 1776. Violence is at the core of their ideology. There are millions of young Americans who have been radicalized by Charlie Kirk, who is now their martyr."
Goldsmith also elaborates on the rise of extremist movements, the dangers of political violence, and the importance of understanding historical authoritarianism and fostering in-person community relationships.
