The Maine Young Democrats (MYD) have rejected a proposed joint statement with the Maine Young Republicans (MYR) condemning political violence after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, claiming that it did not focus enough on gun control, the Maine Wire has learned.
“I think our members were looking for a stronger sentiment if we put one out, more focused on gun control and the Colorado shooting that took place the same day. I know this doesn’t mention Kirk, but the timing now instead of after the Minnesota shootings doesn’t sit right with us,” said MYD President Taylor Grant in communications obtained by The Maine Wire.
“I do really appreciate the joint idea, but the MYD has to make a strong point on gun control in this discussion on political violence,” she added.
According to screenshots shared with the Maine Wire, the MYR Chair Matt Griffiths reached out to the MYD on Instagram looking to establish a respectful dialogue in February.
“I look forward to a relationship with the young democrats that is civil and respectful,” Griffiths said. “While our values, ideas, and beliefs may conflict, our shared commitment to engaging young voters is something we can all get behind. If you have any thoughts or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
The screenshots obtained by the Maine Wire show that Griffiths once again reached out following the assassination of Charlie Kirk during a peaceful event at a Utah university last Wednesday, trying to coordinate a joint statement with their Democratic counterparts condemning political violence.
Initially, the MYD appeared interested in the idea, asking whether the Republicans had any draft language for the proposed statement.
“Thanks for reaching out! Is there language you are working with we can use as a starting place,” said the MYD.
The Republicans provided a draft of the statement, calling for peaceful debate, persuasion over coercion, and “ballots, not bullets,” condemning political violence without specifically mentioning Kirk.
“No matter the cause, no matter the grievance, violence has no place in our state or in our country. It undermines our communities, silences free expression, and erodes the trust that makes self-government possible,” the MYR said.
“Our differences should be settled with ballots, not bullets. To every young Mainer who loves their state and country: remember that the strength of democracy lies not in destroying your opponent, but in engaging them with conviction and respect,” the added.
Grant, the MYD President, rejected the proposal after reviewing the specifics, criticizing the draft for not calling for gun control and not focusing more on the Colorado school shooting that took place on the same day as Kirk’s tragic assassination.
They also suggested that the message was somehow distasteful because it came in response to Kirk’s death rather than the shootings of Minnesota state lawmakers in mid-June.
“Thanks for putting this together. I think our members are looking for a stronger sentiment if we put one out. More focused on gun control and the Colorado shooting that took place the same day. I know this doesn’t mention Kirk but the timing of now instead of after the Minnesota shootings doesn’t sit right with us,” said Grant.
“I do really appreciate the joint idea but think the MYD has to make a strong point on gun control in this discussion on political violence,” she added.
Despite leftist calls for gun control in the wake of Kirk’s assassination, the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, 22, reportedly used a .30-06-caliber Mauser bolt-action hunting rifle. The weapon is notably exempt from even California’s draconian gun control laws, since it is not semi-automatic.
The MYD appears not to have issued any statement, either focusing on gun control or otherwise, addressing or condemning political violence in the wake of the assassination, based on their Facebook page.
Despite the MYD’s rejection, Griffiths maintains hope that the organization will reverse-course and push for unity.
“Charlie willingly talked with those who disagreed with him, because he believed unity was built through conviction, faith, and open conversation. He loved his God, and he loved his country, and he showed us that both truth and unity are possible. I hope the Maine Young Democrats will choose to step forward, be the change young people are asking for, and come together for unity,” said Griffiths in a statement provide to The Maine Wire.
