Rural GroundGame unequivocally condemns any and all acts of violence, whether political in nature or otherwise, including the shooting and killing of Charlie Kirk that took place on September 10. We cannot tolerate, excuse, or normalize violence of any kind.

Rural GroundGame is an organization that is made up of many different people, all of whom have had different reactions to the events of this past week in Utah. For all, the horror of yet another public shooting on a school campus was front and center. For others, this event also brings forward additional pain and trauma from other violent events, ideologies, and the like.

As an organization committed to freedom of speech, Rural GroundGame does not limit or punish employees for their personal speech—to a point. When speech celebrates, incites, or encourages violence, that speech must be confronted. The celebration of the violent death of a human being is wrong.

Our staff has had a discussion regarding the social media posts of a member of our team, and agreed to this statement—including the team member. As an organization, we all commit to not excusing or making space for violence in our commonwealth or in our country.