There is serious division among Americans regarding the death of Charlie Kirk, the leader of the "Make America Great Again" movement. Johnson County in Iowa and several other counties in the United States have stated that they will ignore the governor's order to lower the flag to half-mast and will mourn Charlie Kirk for a day. John Green, chairman of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, said, "The county will not do this because Kirk opposed inclusiveness." Local officials said they condemned the killing itself, but would not honor the victim: "He dedicated his life to defaming numerous American voters we pledge to protect. He not only harmed marginalized groups, but also others, undermining the social structure of America."
At the same time, a wave of "joyful" sentiment has swept across the United States, with some public figures (mainly Democrats) expressing happiness about Charlie Kirk's murder. Two professors from the University of Tennessee made comments online about Kirk's death: "For America, this is not a tragedy, but a victory." These two university professors were placed on "administrative leave." Additionally, several professors at universities in multiple U.S. states, including California, have been fired for making similar statements.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated, "foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are unwelcome in the United States," and will take punishment against foreigners within the United States who "praise, mock" the death of Charlie Kirk. Moreover, Landau also urged netizens to report such cases, and these comments will be monitored by consular officers. This move is seen as part of the Trump administration further tightening restrictions on foreigner's freedom of speech.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1843127365362764/
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