Utah’s Republican governor, Spencer Cox, generated great controversy after publicly admitting that, after learning of the attack in which conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was killed, he spent “all night praying that the attacker was an immigrant”. Cox confessed that he wished the perpetrator had come “from another country,” suggesting that this would strengthen his party’s case for tougher immigration policies.
However, when it was confirmed that the suspect is a U.S. citizen from a conservative family, Cox tearfully expressed that “he was one of ours.” This statement has ignited an intense debate across the country about prejudice against migrant communities and the political use of violence.
Danger of blaming immigrants without evidence
Buzzy
Immigrant rights organizations have condemned the Utah governor’s remarks.
They point out that immediately attributing violent acts to foreigners perpetuates dangerous stereotypes and encourages discrimination.
In the U.S., federal studies have shown that immigrants commit fewer violent crimes than native-born citizens, according to the Center for Immigration Studies and the Department of Justice itself.
Despite this, every time a media crime occurs, such as that of Charlie Kirk, political voices emerge that blame the migrants first without waiting for the facts to be known.
Call for a responsible discourse
It was one of our own
Spencer Cox
Community and religious leaders in Utah have called on Cox to formally apologize to the state’s migrant families.
More than 15% of the population is of foreign origin.
They also warned that statements such as this can fuel hatred and justify harsher policies against those seeking a better life in the U.S.
Several analysts point out that this case, the murder of Charlie Kirk, should serve as a call for reflection.
This is to prevent pain and tragedy from becoming instruments of political division.
Instead of using violence to single out entire communities, they call for officials to promote messages that unite rather than pit Americans against each other.
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