Overview

• In an opinion piece, The Atlantic’s Thomas Chatterton Williams wrote that “MAGA has found its George Floyd,” arguing Charlie Kirk’s killing is being used to advance illiberal aims and silence opponents.
• Right-leaning outlets highlighted swift online denunciations, with figures such as Rogan O’Handley, Benjamin Domenech, and Corey Walker calling the comparison disgraceful or unfounded.
• The essay cited official tributes after the assassination — including President Trump’s order to lower flags and a congressional day of remembrance — as examples of rapid canonization.
• It also pointed to enforcement efforts, noting Vice President J. D. Vance urged reporting those who “profaned” Kirk and Rep. Randy Fine sought firings or license actions, with dozens of educators reportedly disciplined.
• The piece contended that, unlike in 2020, government actors are now imposing penalties for perceived “blasphemy,” a framing conservatives in their responses dismissed.