MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Following social media comments made after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Delegate Anitra Hamilton, D, Monongalia, 81, is facing the possibility of disciplinary action from her peers in the House of Delegates.
On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Delegate Geno Chiarelli, R, Monongalia, 78, confirmed the discussions include expulsion, as suggested by Congressman Riley Moore, R, W.Va, 2; censure; or nothing at all.
“There are a lot of discussions happening; whether or not something comes to fruition is another matter,” Chiarelli said. “Emotions are high right now, and you never know where things are going to go, but I will reiterate—if the caucus wanted to go that way, I would support it.”
Elected officials must be held to a greater level of accountability for their actions. Chiarelli said elected officials should be examples in communities and not engage in divisive statements that could incite further unrest or even violence.
“They should be held to a higher standard,” Chiarelli said. “Every single word we do or say should be scrutinized; there should be a magnifying glass over it. I think they need to hold themselves to a higher standard.”
Chiarelli was an organizer for Kirk’s group Turning Point USA in his college years and reflected on something he said about the importance of dialogue in preventing ill feelings that could lead to violence. When debate ends, that’s when one side can be dehumanized and ultimately targeted for their beliefs.
“When the talking stops, the violence begins—that was his message,” Chiarelli said. “He was one of the few people that was really truly willing to debate with you no matter how much he disagreed with you, and he was assassinated anyway—I think that’s telling about where we’re at.”
Citing a prayer vigil planned for Monday on the campus of WVU, Chiarelli said the killing is not likely to have a chilling effect. Rather, he said the killing has raised the profile of the group to the point that older Americans are beginning to support the organization that was established to get young people involved in the political process.
“What I think they have failed to realize is this has ignited something, and a lot is going to unfold over the next couple of months,” Chiarelli said. “This may be dramatic to say, but I think the next few weeks could determine the future of mankind.”
Chiarelli said the comments are beneath the office and cast West Virginia in a negative light on the national stage.
“As an elected official, for you to be celebrating or justifying the death of a political figure, I think that is unacceptable for someone who holds office,” Chiarelli said.
Delegate Hamilton has not responded to a request for comment.