Common Defense Veterans Condemn Shooting of Charlie Kirk and Political Violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Common Defense, national organization of veterans and military families, strongly condemns all forms of political violence after the shooting of Charlie Kirk. 

In Response, Jose Vasquez, Common Defense's Executive Director, said: 

"The shooting of Charlie Kirk is reprehensible. This act of political violence is both uncalled for and deeply disturbing. Such an attack should be condemned by all, regardless of political affiliation. In these challenging times, it is imperative that we stand united against political violence in every form, fostering an environment where differing viewpoints can be expressed safely and respectfully. There is no room for political violence in our country. "

Common Defense unequivocally condemns political violence in all its forms. We urge every citizen and leader to speak out against extreme acts like this and uphold our nation’s democratic values. As veterans and advocates for democracy, we know the cost of violence firsthand, and call on communities to stand together against hate and protect the freedoms we served to defend.

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Common Defense Civic Engagement is a grassroots, veteran-led organization (501c4) that was founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as unwilling political props, and Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who truly share our values.