Wasco County Commissioner urges bridging divisions at meeting after murder of Charlie Kirk

Though the Wasco County Board of Commissioners is a nonpartisan body, Brady said elected officials cannot ignore the corrosive role of violence in politics. He then offered two specific steps for residents seeking a response to these tragic events and the subsequent heightened political tensions.

First, he encouraged participation in Braver Angels, a national nonprofit with a local chapter in Gorge run by Doug Roof and Tom Aspitarte that brings liberals and conservatives together for monthly conversations.

“They meet monthly to discuss topics with the purpose of understanding each other and bridging divisions,” Brady said. “I can help anyone who’s interested in contacting them.”

Second, Brady suggested broadening media habits, urging residents to cross political lines in what they read and watch.

“If you follow CNN, switch over to Fox News once a week,” he said. “If you listen to Hannity like I sometimes do while driving, I recommend listening to a podcast like Ezra Klein once a week.”

Brady said consuming a wider range of news helps citizens recognize bias and omissions in coverage.

“For the sake of being well informed and for the sake of understanding other perspectives, I encourage us all to broaden our media horizons,” he said.

Brady concluded that such practices would strengthen democracy and, in his words, honor Kirk’s memory. “I think Charlie Kirk would approve of that,” he said.

The next meeting of Braver Angels Columbia Gorge Alliance is Oct. 7 at the White Salmon Community Library, 77 NE Wauna Ave., and is open to the public.

For more information, reach out to Roof and Aspitarte droof@braverangels.org or taspitarte@braverangels.org.

Local reaction

Local reaction included statements from both Wasco County Democrats and Republicans.

In a Facebook post, the Wasco County Democrats wrote, “Wasco County Democrats condemn the murder of Charlie Kirk as we condemn all other political violence no matter who commits it or who is victimized by it. Nonviolent political action has long been the hallmark of principled and effective action, and we strictly hold to that standard.”

The Wasco County Republicans said, “The assassination of Charlie Kirk is unbelievably tragic. I pray for Charlie’s family and friends. He will be remembered for his faith and his courage. We see how influential Mr. Kirk has been to our country. I hope we can learn to respect other people’s viewpoints without outrage or violence.”

Members of Oregon’s congressional delegation also weighed in. Republican Congressman Cliff Bentz wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “Charlie was a passionate voice and leader for the conservative movement. My prayers are with Charlie and his family.”

Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Dexter called the attack “absolutely horrific,” adding, “Political violence has no place in this country.”

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Kat Tabor contributed to this report.