Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) on Friday addressed a question both Republicans and Democrats were asking on the heels of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death: Will the tragic event finally mark a turning point?

“This is our moment: Do we escalate or do we find an off-ramp?” an emotional Cox said at a news conference, where he announced a suspect in Kirk’s murder had been apprehended in his state. “It’s a choice.”

Cox, who is Republican, used his time before a gaggle of cameras to talk about a political reckoning.

He pushed the idea of civility, of Republicans and Democrats finding ways to come together, and urged "his young friends out there" to step away from political rage and “choose a different path.”

“For the last 48 hours, I have been as angry as I have ever been, as sad as I have ever been ... and as anger pushed me to the brink, it was actually Charlie's words that pushed me back,” Cox said. “Charlie said ‘When people stop talking, that's when you get violence.’”

Political operatives in both parties praised Cox's sentiments Friday, noting it helped relieve tensions — even temporarily — and a public unease over the recent rash of political violence.

Cox’s remarks sounded presidential, and more than one observer was left wondering if they were seeing a prospective future GOP candidate who might unite people.

At the same time,........

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