WATCH: Lawmakers wrestle with how to approach hateful political rhetoric in wake of Kirk assassination

Debate on political rhetoric and its impact on recent political violence has swept across Capitol Hill and across the country after the assassination of Conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Although both Republicans and Democrats condemn various political violence, their views vary by the role of incitement political rhetoric. Some Republicans accuse the left of speech to promote “Assassination Culture” On the left, Democrats accused Republicans of attacks on freedom of speech.

Congressman Alexander Ocasio Cortez (DN.Y.

“It’s not just what happened to Charlie Kirk. Meanwhile, his tragic killing happened, three children were shot at school, and it was another few kids in Mass’ church, in a Catholic school for a week or two.”

Experts warn leftists to celebrate Charlie Kirk’s death signal is a dangerous mainstream turn in politics

Rep. Alexander Ocasio Cortez (DN.Y. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

But, Rep. Nancy Mace, Rs.C. There is no word from those conservatives who continue to inspire inflammatory speech.

“We need to get these people out of a polite society and let them down. They need to fire them from their jobs. They are putting their lives at risk,” Metz said. “They deny that they are celebrating Charlie Kirk’s political assassination and murder, but they are liars. They are lying on their teeth.”

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle called on others to “reject the heat” after Kirk was assassinated. Americans from all walks of life have been facing a decision to ridicule or praise Kirk’s death K-12 Education Officer, University professor Healthcare professionals, Political experts, writers and other professionals from various departments and major companies, such as law firms Perkins CoieNew York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Stock and Office Depot companies, etc.

Memorials commemorating Charlie Kirk are held nationwide and overseas, including Berlin. Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025. (Ilkin Eskipehlivan/Anadolu via Getty Image)

Lawmakers responded to the deadly political climate following Kirk’s assassination: “Violent speech precedes violent action”

DN.Y. Rep. Ritchie Torres said everyone should have the “right to speak freely or the democratic tradition in the United States could be threatened.

“Look, there is a limit to what Congress can do because, you know, we have an amendment that protects all forms of speech, including Hate speech, But we should have a culture that condemns any speech that glorifies violence. I think violence is the downfall of American democracy,” Torres said. “We all should have the right to speak freely and think freely without worrying about harassment, intimidation or violence. Once we lose the ability to speak freely in the public square, then we know it is over. ”

DN.Y. Rep. Ritchie Torres said political violence could be “the downfall of American democracy.” (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Rep. Eric Swalwell of D-Calif proposed possible remedies that Congress may take can help reduce inflammatory speech and its potential impact on violence.

Click here to get the Fox News app

“You have to see the role social media companies play in allowing violent speech on their website. What else can we do to enable law enforcement to see these attacks sooner?” Swaway asked. “I’m waiting, ready to learn, where the law enforcement misses signs. Because if that’s the case, we have to do better because the temperature will only increase.”