A heated dispute erupted in the U.S. House following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, highlighting partisan tensions between Republicans and Democrats over responsibility for the nation’s latest high-profile shooting. The debate intensified after former President Barack Obama stated that he “doesn’t know” what motivated the attacker, a comment quickly criticized by conservative commentators.

“We don’t yet know the motive behind this act, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy,” Obama posted on X. OutKick founder Clay Travis, appearing on Fox News, sharply condemned the former president, claiming that rhetoric portraying political opponents as extreme figures contributes to instability.

“You cannot label someone a dictator or fascist for years, then suddenly condemn violence when it occurs,” Travis said. “When political leaders use such extreme comparisons, it signals to unstable individuals that harm is justified. This is exactly what happened with Charlie Kirk.”

Travis referenced private remarks from 2016, when Obama reportedly called then-presidential candidate Donald Trump a “fascist,” a sentiment Clinton echoed during the campaign. He also cited the arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old who attempted to attack Trump in Florida, stating that Routh viewed Trump as equivalent to Hitler. “This left-wing violence has escalated, and Charlie Kirk became one of its victims,” Travis added. The debate underscores the ongoing national conversation about political rhetoric, accountability, and the ways words can influence actions, especially in highly polarized times.