Ciattarelli slaps Sherrill on Charlie Kirk comments on NJ’s debate

Republican Jack Ciattarelli said that it was “badly” for the Democratic representative Mikie Sherrill to criticize Charlie Kirk after having voted “yes” on a resolution of the American room condemning his assassination – a confrontation which degenerated when Sherrill invoked the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel on the remarks of Kirk during their first debate on Sunday.

During their first debate on the general elections in Lawrenceville, New Jersey on Sunday, the moderators asked the candidates if they would support legislation designating political violence as a crime of hatred in the state of New Jersey.

“My opponent went down to Washington on Friday, voted yes on a resolution to celebrate Charlie Kirk’s life, but in a few minutes in minutes sent a statement that condemned him. I think it was bad,” said Jack Ciattarelli, while saying his support Bill from New Jersey.

Once in his disagreement with Kirk, Sherrill said: “I think it’s just to have freedom of expression, but I think it should go to everyone, to Jimmy Kimmel and to me too.”

Watch: the legislators struggle to approach hateful political rhetoric following the assassination of Kirk

The republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli, on the left, shakes the hand of the Democratic candidate for Governor Mikie Sherrill, on the right, before a debate on Sunday September 21, 2025, in Lawrenceville, NJ (Photo Noah K. Murray / AP)

ABC suspended on “Thursday on”Jimmy Kimmel Live!“Host indefinitely following controversial comments he made on the assassination of Kirk.

58 House DEMS Vote against the resolution in honor of the “life and inheritance” of Charlie Kirk

Questions about political violence infiltrated the scene of the debate on the governor of New Jersey on Sunday evening while people in mourning gathered at more than 2,000 miles to honor the life and legacy of Kirk.

After having voted “yes” on the resolution condemning the assassination of Kirk, Sherrill published a statement criticizing the character of Kirk.

“Charlie Kirk argued for a Christian nationalist government and to cancel the rights of women and blacks-this flies in the face of each value that holds me dear and for which I fight. But the Constitution protects freedom of expression, even for those who vehemently oppose,” she said.

Democrat Mikie Sherrill answers questions during the first general debate of Governor of the elections with the Republican opponent Jack Ciattarelli. Sunday September 21, 2025 in Lawrenceville, NJ (Photo Noah K. Murray / AP)

While tearing his opponent for his comments on Kirk, Ciattarelli also criticized Sherrill for not having answered the question of the moderator on state legislation.

“My direct answer is that I voted to protect freedom of expression. I voted to put an end to political violence. I also think that it is right, Jack, to speak when you do not agree with something,” said Sherrill.

“In this nation, we should be able to have freedom of expression,” said Sherrill. “I swear to defend and fight for freedom of expression all my life, but it should never turn into political violence.”

Charlie Kirk distributes hats before speaking at the University of Utah Valley in Orem, Utah, Wednesday September 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley / The Deseret News via AP)

Kirk’s assassination less than two weeks ago on the University of Utah Valley campus has rekindled a fierce debate on the rise of political violence in the United States.

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“I think it is the responsibility of any civil servant and candidate for the office to engage in a rhetoric that does not divide us,” said Ciattarelli on Sunday. “My campaign has been to unite, not to divide us. I think we have to remove the temperature a lot.”