This incident has highlighted two points of focus that need to be addressed in our social culture: the imperative to end both political violence and gun violence. Even before Kirk’s assasination, this past year has proved ripe for political and social violence regardless of political standing. Acts of political violence such as the attempted assasination of President Trump, the assasination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the constant threats of violence towards politicians online creates a dangerous time in American history. Or are we a nation that in tough times unites in an effort to do what is right and oppose political violence? As we have seen across history, when political violence erupts, so do civic engagement and discourse — in both positive and negative ways.