Photograph Source: World Coalition Against the Death Penalty – CC BY-SA 2.0

The US government should not kill Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin. State-sponsored murder won’t stem the rising tide of political violence looming over all of us. And Utah is one of only five states in the US that allows execution by firing squad. Though rare, the prospect of the state shooting Mr. Robinson to death for the unspeakable act of doing the very same to Mr. Kirk threatens to inflame an already volatile political climate.

We, the more than 4,000 members of L’chaim! Jews Against the Death Penalty, therefore urge prosecutors to change course and no longer pursue the death penalty against Mr. Robinson. Let there be no doubt: we are profoundly distressed by the deadly attack of which the state accuses Tyler Robinson. Our hearts and prayers extend to the neshama (soul) of Charlie Kirk, Zichrono Livracha, of blessed memory. May his wife, children, and loved ones be comforted among all the mourners of the world. Many of us in L’chaim disagree with most of Mr. Kirk’s beliefs, including about the death penalty, but it should go without saying that regardless of these facts, we abhor his assassination, just as we do all killings. It is tragic that we must make that abhorrence explicit in a day and age when people are quick to assume the worst about others’ intentions, even those who have no connection to the tragedy. This pattern includes antisemitic conspiracy theories now proliferating that incriminate the Jewish community for complicity in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

A death sentence for Mr. Robinson will only increase his platform for espousing violent hatred. Killing him will not deter any would-be copycats. On the contrary, it would only embolden them, rendering him a martyr for violent extremists on any side of the aisle. This reality is just one of the reasons we oppose the death penalty in all cases, but especially for killers with any socio-political motivations. A lengthy prison sentence would hold him accountable while severely punishing him for his heinous........

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