Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated on September 14th, 2025, that "If your view of America is not shaken right now then there is something wrong with you," describing current events as a "direct assault on America." He emphasized personal responsibility in addressing national issues, saying, "If we're waiting for a president or a governor to get us through this dark chapter, it will never happen." Cox made these remarks during interviews on September 14th, 2025, as reported by Bulwark Online. Cox also commented on the role of rhetoric in political discourse, suggesting that framing policy disagreements as existential threats can incite violence. He noted that "conflict entrepreneurs" benefit from radicalization. His statements follow reports of a teacher allegedly showing an assassination video of Charlie Kirk to students and telling them he deserved to be killed, as reported by the New York Post. Additionally, other officials, including Senator James Lankford and Speaker Mike Johnson, have called for more disciplined language from leaders. Senator Lankford reported that "We've had 14,000 threats against members of congress just this calendar year," and referenced incidents like a home invasion of legislators in Minnesota and a fire at the Pennsylvania governor's home. He stressed that "Each person, if they're carrying out acts of violence, they are personally responsible for that act of violence." Senator John Fetterman also cautioned against forcing a government shutdown, stating, "That’s not fighting. That’s mutilating our nation." In related news, Texas Republican Representative Michael McCaul announced on September 14th, 2025, that he will not seek reelection in 2026, stating he is looking for a "new challenge." Separately, Brian Kilmeade has apologized for a remark made on air that he called "extremely callous," where he suggested "Involuntary lethal injection, or something. Just kill them" in reference to homeless people. US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew posted on September 14th, 2025, about praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem with Senator Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Prime Minister Netanyahu has previously denied any Israeli involvement in Charlie Kirk's assassination.
