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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) has said that the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk may represent “a turning point” for the country. Speaking on Face the Nation, Johnson urged public officials and media personalities to turn down the rhetoric and stop framing political disagreements as existential threats. 

Johnson warned against the use of extreme labels—such as calling people “Nazis” or “fascists”—noting that such language, increasingly common in political discourse, can embolden those predisposed to violence. He expressed hope that leaders from both sides of the aisle are stepping up to foster calm and responsible speech. 

He also described the emotional aftermath within Congress, saying lawmakers feel a mix of anger, sadness, and fear as the country reacts to the targeted attack. The shooter, Tyler James Robinson, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder and other offenses. 

Johnson recalled a moment of silence held in Kirk’s honor, and shared that he believes Kirk would have wanted people to move forward “boldly … in love,” rather than descending into despair.