A special edition with suggested ideas for responding to disinformation about the shooting of Charlie Kirk.

Many people have asked for guidance around how to respond to the deluge of hurtful and frightening false claims about Charlie Kirk’s shooting. Many people on the far right, including the administration, have issued blanket condemnations and calls for retaliation. How do we respond? First, use the Truth Brigade (and others’) tactic of self-examination. Gain strength from reaffirming who you are, and knowing most people feel the same. Here is Indivisible’s statement.

Indivisible’s Statement

“We are horrified to learn of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. Political violence has no place in a democracy. The foundation of democracy rests on the principle that differences can be debated vigorously, but peacefully, without intimidation or acts of violence. In America, no one should be targeted with violence for their beliefs or political affiliations. Indivisible stands united in absolute opposition to all forms of political violence, without reservation, and condemns this horrific act. We extend our condolences to his family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”

Indivisible Truth Brigade Recommendations

Truth Brigade tactics remain the same, regardless of the lies. We’re in a particularly difficult moment. The lies overwhelming the information ecosystem about coordinated left-wing involvement in Charlie Kirk’s death are not only frightening but disheartening for us – as people who are dedicated, loud supporters of mutual respect and nonviolence.

Below are our recommendations, by situation. However, use your judgment based on your own experiences! Some of you are close to people who may be saying deeply hurtful things directly. Others may be more public, and personally experiencing social media attacks.  Do NOT engage with anyone, in anyplace with whom you are uncomfortable. Stay safe — and stay positive. The loudest voices are not the norm. Most people see this tragedy for what it is: a frightening act of violence, yet emotions around it can be very high for people of all backgrounds and beliefs. We encourage folks to keep their North Star on lowering temperatures and reducing conflict in moments like this:

• Dreadful posts on social media of any kind: Don’t click, don’t share, don’t comment, don’t engage.
• Positive posts on social media with negative or troll comments: Do reply to the post itself, not to the comment. Do everything you can to uplift truthful, values-driven materials.
• “Social Media” includes YouTube and TikTok: To amplify positive or straightforward news videos, use the same tactics, and watch factual content to the end, which amplifies it.
• Same tactics for online newspapers, magazines, blogs, etc.: Ignore negative comments. Uplift factual articles by commenting positively and sharing.
• In conversation: follow our conversation guidance here

The Indivisible Truth Sandwich

Use the Indivisible Truth Sandwich framework as your guide for original posts and other communications. Here’s one way that might look:

Discover common values: “Sounds like you’re as horrified as I am by political violence.”

Disrupt (cause a pause):  “It’s so hard to know what to think with all the violence we’ve been seeing! Most people I know just want to get along. Is that your experience too?”

Dream: “Even though we may have very different views, I’m glad we agree that political violence is not the way to resolve them.”

This message campaign has been written to be 501(c)(3) compliant with the sole purpose of educating the public on issues. It is not intended to influence or make reference to any candidate, campaign, political party or election.