We are COMMITTED to building a better community and nation — one based on our fundamental guiding principles as citizens of Utah and America. We stand with other communities that have also experienced political violence — and know how important it is that we choose the hard work of PEACEMAKING in order to breach the divides that caused the violence in the first place.

Here are STEPS you can take...

SEEK RELIABLE INFORMATION

Those who profit from our political divisions sometimes capitalize on moments of conflict with misinformation and calls for retaliatory violence. Relying on accurate information preserves the public trust, prevents the spread of harmful rumors, and honors the dignity of those affected. Resist the urge to speculate before facts are confirmed.

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CHECK ON YOUR PEOPLE

Reach out to young adults, students, neighbors, friends. Ask how they are navigating and understanding the unfolding event. Let them know you care and that they are not alone.

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RECOGNIZE OUR SHARED VALUES

We all value freedom of expression. We all value family. We may disagree on many things, but we can agree that the death of a young father is tragic and that no one should be killed for sharing their opinions in a public forum. Let’s build on those shared values and commitments.

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FOCUS ON YOUR RESPONSE

Each of us has a choice in this moment: Can we resist the urge to assign blame to entire groups for the actions of one individual? Do we escalate the rhetoric, or do we lower the temperature? This starts with how we speak, how we listen, how we show up online and in our communities.

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...and RESOURCES to lead the way.

Share Our Community Toolkit

Toolkit for individuals to spark connection and positive impact. A free and simple resource to get you started where you live.

We Are Better Than This

Include a brief video message of yourself and have your video presented alongside videos of others from across the nation who believe political violence has no place in our nation. National Institute for Civil Discourse

College Students: Coping after the Recent Shooting

This fact sheet describes common emotional, physical, and behavioral reactions college students may have after a shooting, and offers strategies like self-care, social connection, routine, limiting media exposure, and using support systems to help them heal and cope.

Psychological Impact of Mass Violence

This brief helps explain the mental health effects of mass violence, such as fear, grief, post-traumatic stress, physical symptoms, and disrupted routines, and outlines ways communities can cope and recover.

Talking to Children about the Shooting

This tip sheet helps caregivers talk with children about a shooting by offering age-appropriate support, comfort, and coping guidance. This resource is appropriate for children who did not witness the incident but are concerned.

Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting

This document offers guidance for parents on how to support youth emotionally and practically in the aftermath of a shooting. This resource is appropriate for children who were present during a shooting.

CDI Conversation Guide on Utah Shooting

To support campus leaders, the Constructive Dialogue Institute has released a conversation guide designed to help staff, faculty, and student leaders create safe, structured environments for reflection and connection in response to the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Proclaim Peace Podcast

Empowering conversations demonstrating how faith can fuel our engagement in the work of peace building

Parenting Toolkit for Learning to Disagree Better

A three-lesson resource for families from Utah State University Extension, BYU Wheatley Institute, and Disagree Better.

Disagree Better

A how-to guide on how to think, speak, and listen better.

The Dignity Index

An eight-point scale that shows language ranging from contempt to dignity — and how we can choose to speak with dignity.

Listening Courageously

In difficult times, our impulse may be to retreat to those who believe the same way. This free resource invites you to lean into listening for understanding, even when it's hard.

Conversations in Troubled Times

Speaking to your children about targeted violence has many nuances, but is an important conversation to have.

50 Things Anyone Can Do to Make Us Stronger Together

Anyone can be part of the solution. Here are 50 things anyone can do today to push back on political toxicity and build a future where we all can thrive.

De-escalation Resources

Equip yourself with the community safely and de-escalation skills to navigate conflict in a vibrant democracy.

Responding to Hate-Fueled and Political Violence

A consortium of organizations offers recommendations for responding to political violence that reduce the risk of future harms.