Grieving is one thing, but pointing fingers in the middle of it is another. Many believe Nate Burleson did just that when he spoke about the death of political commentator Charlie Kirk.
Former NFL wide receiver and current CBS Mornings host Nate Burleson spoke about Kirk’s assassination on Thursday’s show. He urged Republican leaders to think about political violence and how misinformation can fuel it. And after this, his comments were not taken in a good note by the viewers.
“Speaking of this tragedy, is this a moment for your party to reflect on political violence, is it a moment for us to think about the responsibility of our political leaders and their voices and what it does to the masses as they get lost in misinformation or disinformation that turns in and spills in to political violence?” Burleson said on air.
Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder, died Wednesday after being shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on the opening stop of his American Comeback Tour. He was 31. Authorities confirmed that the Utah Department of Public Safety and the FBI are looking for a person of interest and asked for public assistance in the case.
Nate Burleson Receiving Hate From Viewers
The clip of Burleson’s remarks spread quickly online, and the pushback came just as fast. Many accused him of exploiting a tragedy to score political points.
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“Sickening,” one social media user replied.
Another furious comment on Burleson is, “The media doesn’t get to tell anyone what to say, when to say it, especially on this hallowed day. Their job is to tell us what happened, who it happened to, and what the authorities know. That’s it. Report, then shut up.”
Others also clearly showed their frustration. “Disgusting,” wrote one commenter.
Another said, “Nate Burleson is the epitome of a people pleaser, he wants people to think he is a good person so badly.”
Fans of Kirk made it clear they don’t want criticism directed their way for his death. They see Burleson’s comments as insensitive and misplaced. On top of that, Kirk’s old words are now circling online. Someone found a haunting 11-year-old tweet he wrote, and it has left many of his supporters even more unsettled following his death.
Burleson has not issued any follow-up statement. Meanwhile, investigators continue to search for answers in Charlie Kirk’s assassination.