‘Build bridges, depolarize’: Leaders congregate at Utah State Capitol after Charlie Kirk assassination

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Leaders from local and national organizations congregated at Utah State Capitol today, Sept. 12, to discuss de-escalation of the political climate in the wake of the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.

The Utah Bridge Builders Press Conference was held at 12:30 p.m. in the Presentation Room of Utah State Capitol, located at State Street and 300 N, Salt Lake City. The Presentation Room is located at the lower level of the east side of the main Capitol building.

In attendance were Marianne Viray, Disagree Better; Zack Wilson, Young Republicans; Jack Davis, Young Democrats; Tami Pyfer, Dignity Index; Rep. Becky Edwards, Governing Group.

The group talked about how to reduce the deep divide seen in America today. These leaders seek to depolarize, de-escalate, and build bridges between opposing sides of the political spectrum.

Violence has no place in Utah. Each of us has the power and responsibility to choose dignity over division and turn toward our communities.

Utah is shaken by the tragic death of Charlie Kirk during a public event at Utah Valley University. In moments like these, polarization and fear can deepen divides but they can also be inflection points. Join leaders from local and national organizations working to build bridges and depolarize our politics. Groups will also launch a new toolkit and website to address the national moment.

Event speakers outlined steps each group is taking to “deescalate the narrative, reduce polarization, and turn toward each other in our communities,” the release states. The event also included the launch of turntoward.us, a coalition of local and national organizations from Utah dedicated to enabling better civic dialogue and promoting peace.