In brief
Barack Obama has spoken out on the current political climate in the U.S. following the murder of Charlie Kirk, describing it as a significant crisis. At an event in Pennsylvania, he condemned the use of provocative language by leaders like Trump and highlighted the need for respectful dialogue. The comments come in light of Kirk's fatal shooting at an event in Utah, which has ignited political blame and discussions surrounding free speech. Meanwhile, the White House has countered Obama's remarks, accusing him of fostering division during his presidency.
Former US President Barack Obama has criticized attempts to stoke political divisions in the wake of the killing of Charlie Kirk.
At an event in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Obama warned that the US was facing a political crisis of the sort that we haven't seen before. He said he did not know Kirk and disagreed with many of his views, but called the killing horrific and a tragedy.
He criticized Donald Trump's remarks towards his political opponents and pointed to previous Republican presidents who, he said, emphasized national unity in moments of high tension, US media report.
In response, the White House called Obama the architect of modern political division.
Kirk, 31, died of a single gunshot wound while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem on 10 September.
On Tuesday, Tyler Robinson, 22, was formally charged with Kirk's murder, weapons offenses and other charges. Prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty.
Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray said Robinson had sent text messages which allegedly stated he shot Kirk because he had enough of his hatred.
Before Robinson was captured, top Trump allies pinned blame for the killing on left-wing activists and rhetoric from Democratic lawmakers and their supporters.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has suggested that the administration will crack down on hate speech – although there is no specific US hate speech law. Vice-President JD Vance has led calls to expose people who celebrated or condoned Kirk's killing or were critical of him after his slaying.
Speaking in Erie, Pennsylvania, Obama said: I think at moments like this, when tensions are high, then part of the job of the president is to pull people together.
He urged Americans to respect other people's right to say things that we profoundly disagree with.
Obama praised Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a conservative Republican who he credited for showing that it is possible for people to disagree while abiding by a basic code of public engagement.
He also endorsed Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's response to a targeted attack on his residence earlier this year.
The former president contrasted those reactions with comments made by Trump and his allies, stating that he refrained from politicizing past tragedies, such as a mass shooting in 2015.
In a statement to the BBC, a White House spokesperson rejected Obama's claims and accused him of sowing division during his presidency.
Obama used every opportunity to sow division and pit Americans against each other, the spokesperson claimed. This ongoing dialogue highlights the tension in U.S. politics, as Obama continues to speak out against perceived failures in leadership and calls for unity amidst growing division.
