Congresswoman Harriet Hageman speaks to Star Valley residents in a town hall meeting in Afton. SVI PHOTO BY DUKE DANCE

In a recent interview, U.S. Congresswoman Harriet Hageman addressed the shocking assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, expressing her disbelief and sorrow over the incident. “I was getting ready to go over to the floor when a staffer came into my office and said, ‘Charlie Kirk has been shot.’ I just didn’t even think that that was remotely possible,” Hageman shared.

Kirk, a friend of Hageman, was known for his engaging discussions on contentious issues. “He was a kind and gentle man… his willingness to engage with people on difficult issues was unrivaled,” she noted. Hageman emphasized the tragedy of Kirk’s death, stating, “Charlie Kirk was not assassinated for what he said. He was assassinated for what other people claimed that he said.”

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The congresswoman highlighted a concerning trend in American politics, suggesting that lies and distortions about Republican beliefs contribute to a deepening divide. “There is a large gap because there’s an incredible amount of lies and distortion out there about Republicans and what we believe,” she remarked. She pointed to the Biden administration’s surveillance of conservative groups as evidence of this divide, stating, “There’s a fear in this country that we have a government such as the Biden administration who is willing to use the FBI and every other agency to go after political enemies.”

Hageman urged Wyoming citizens to actively engage in discussions about their values. “Keep talking, go to the college campuses… Talk about our values, our Judeo-Christian values as a country,” she insisted. She reaffirmed the importance of celebrating America, saying, “We have much to celebrate in this country with our freedoms. And we cannot let anybody silence that”

The conversation also turned to legislation Hageman is involved with, including the Combating Obstruction Against Leasing Act, which aims to bolster Wyoming’s coal industry. “Coal is the energy of the future,” she asserted, underlining the state’s significant coal production.

Additionally, Hageman spoke about the intent to rescind the Biden administration’s public lands rule, which she criticized for prioritizing conservation over other uses of federal lands. “It violated FLPMA,” she stated, referring to the Federal Land Policy Management Act, which outlines land use.

The interview concluded with Hageman expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss Kirk’s impact and reinforcing her commitment to addressing the critical issues facing Wyoming and the nation.