Governor Phil Scott Posted a Statement About the Charlie Kirk Killing; Hundreds of Replies by Vermonters Came Next
As one commenter put it, "This thread says it all about both sides"—a raw snapshot of Vermont's own polarized debates, from school shootings to street crime in the Queen City.
Editor’s Note: While the names of commenters on public social media pages may be published, Compass Vermont is using initials as a matter of discretion to minimize potential harassment of private individuals.
In a poignant Facebook post shared on the eve of the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Vermont Governor Phil Scott mourned the tragic death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a public event in Utah on Wednesday.
Describing the killing as an "assassination," Scott used the moment to issue a broader call for unity, urging Vermonters and Americans alike to bridge the deepening partisan divide that has fueled a surge in political violence.
"Our nation is broken, and we are all diminished by this loss," Scott wrote in the post, according to dozens of replies quoting and reacting to his words. "No matter our differences, we must strive to find common ground, reject dangerous rhetoric, and commit to dialogue over division. Violence solves nothing—it only widens the cracks in our shared foundation."
The governor's message struck a chord, quickly amassing over 500 comments from Vermonters across the political spectrum. From Burlington progressives to rural conservatives, the responses painted a vivid portrait of a state grappling with national turmoil, echoing local frustrations over gun violence, judicial leniency, and the erosion of civil discourse.
As one commenter put it, "This thread says it all about both sides"—a raw snapshot of Vermont's own polarized debates, from school shootings to street crime in the Queen City.
A Bipartisan Chorus of Grief and Reflection
Many replies praised Scott's measured tone, seeing it as a rare example of leadership in a fractured political landscape. "Thank you Governor for your call to find common ground and the need to end this partisan divide and polarization," wrote CG of Montpelier, contrasting it with former President Donald Trump's response, which she criticized for blaming "radical liberals" without acknowledging victims from both parties.
DI, a self-described Kirk fan from the Champlain Valley, shared, "I loved watching Charlie, some views I may have not agreed with, but what an educational person he was and an advocate to free speech and debate… RIP Charlie." Echoing that sentiment, RP added, "I never agreed with Charlie, but violence is never the answer. He did not deserve to die for speaking out about his beliefs."
Vermonters like HC tied the tragedy to the 9/11 anniversary, invoking a time when "we stood solid as a nation." "We need to do better as a people!!!" she exclaimed, a plea that resonated with dozens of like-minded replies emphasizing shared humanity over ideology.
Support for Scott's bipartisan approach was widespread, with calls for him to run for higher office. AC, identifying as a progressive, wrote, "As a progressive I really hope you run for president in 2028, the GOP needs someone with your sensibility to lead them forward." Others, like JP, lauded him as "a bi-partisan voice of compassion and empathy in these troubled times."
Divisions Surface: Critiques, Gun Control, and Local Gripes
Not all responses were unanimous. Some Vermonters questioned Scott's focus on Kirk amid a wave of other gun tragedies, including a high school shooting in suburban Denver that left three students critically wounded the same day. "What about the school shooting in Denver? If you are going to comment on gun violence victims start with the ones who haven’t been so divisive," posted JT. RB echoed the frustration: "You say nothing about the innocent students who were shot and killed today... That is where our thoughts should be."
Gun control advocates seized the moment to press for action closer to home. MS called for banning assault weapons in Vermont and closing the "Charleston loophole," while HK quoted Kirk's own 2023 remark downplaying gun deaths as "worth it" to preserve Second Amendment rights. "I feel political violence is unacceptable. But Charlie did not do a whole lot to unite us," she wrote.
Local issues bubbled up too, with BL challenging Scott: "So how do you plan to do that in Vermont Governor? What is your plan to bring People together?" SR vented about Burlington's crime woes, unfinished road projects, and out-of-state homebuyers driving up taxes: "Let’s start working on our own state and holding criminals accountable."
Partisan barbs flew from both sides. SM blamed "violence from the left," citing "hateful comments" in the thread, while SC bluntly stated, "He got what he deserved." Others, like CS, labeled Kirk a "racist, homophobic, misogynist" and questioned why his death merited a gubernatorial statement when the June 2025 assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband did not. (A review of Scott's public statements confirms no comment on the Minnesota incident at the time.)
Echoes of Vermont's Own Struggles
The thread's raw energy mirrors Vermont's ongoing battles: a state where progressive strongholds like Burlington clash with conservative rural voices, all under a moderate Republican governor who's vetoed gun bills while championing flood recovery and opioid initiatives. Comments like JT’s—"Hold criminals accountable... Reopen Psych Wards to limit the mentally unstable"—highlight frustrations with "catch and release" policies, a hot-button issue in Chittenden County courts.
Yet threads of hope persisted. AL urged, "We all need to stop saying there is a right for republicans and a left for democrats and think about all of us work together." ZT added a practical note: "Take care of your family, make sure you have food and supplies and are ready for what's coming—remember Humanity when everything falls apart."
Scott's post serves as a microcosm of Green Mountain State resilience—and its fault lines. In a year marked by escalating violence, from Gaza's shadows to domestic shootings, Vermonters' replies remind us: Dialogue may be messy, but silence is deadlier. As Scott implored, the work of mending starts here, one comment at a time.