BUZZ
Key Takeaways
- Professor Erik Viker from Susquehanna University reaffirmed his statement that Republicans 'deserve nothing good' following the assassination of conservative pundit Charlie Kirk, attributing his comments to the political actions of the GOP and Donald Trump's administration.
- The Susquehanna University College Republicans condemned Viker's remarks as reckless and damaging, urging university officials to protect students and consider Viker's statements in light of his mayoral candidacy.
- Viker's comments sparked backlash, especially after a tension-filled vigil for Kirk, where incidents of intimidation and vandalism occurred.
Susquehanna University theatre Professor Erik Viker doubled down on his comment that Republicans “deserve nothing good” this week following the assassination of conservative pundit Charlie Kirk.
“To be clear, Republicans are bad people who worship or enable a corrupt white supremacist convicted felon and sexual assaulter. They deserve nothing good and can’t be trusted with public policy or shared resources,” Viker wrote on Facebook in August, according to The Daily Item.
The post drew backlash following Charlie Kirk’s murder, prompting Viker, who is also a Selinsgrove Borough Council member and mayoral candidate, to reaffirm his stance.
On Tuesday, the professor said his remarks were a reaction to the political policies and “Trump regime” officials of the Republican Party.
“I don’t think they’re trustworthy,” he told The Daily Item.
“I’ve always been clear about my opposition to Republicans aligning with the racism, misogyny and corruption of Donald Trump,” Viker said.
He also said that if he is elected mayor of Selinsgrove, he “would continue to oppose those things and promote public safety and efficient, non-intrusive government…”
In an Instagram post Tuesday, the Susquehanna University College Republicans called for the professor to take accountability.
The student group called Viker’s statements vilifying Republicans “reckless.” The group added that “statements such as these dehumanize communities and corrode the respect that every student deserves.”
“Susquehanna University College Republicans condemn these remarks in the strongest possible terms and urge the University to act decisively to protect its students. Furthermore, we call on the citizens of Selinsgrove to remember Mr. Viker’s terrible statements as they consider his bid for mayor,” the group wrote.
The college Republicans also noted that during the school’s vigil to grieve the loss of Charlie Kirk Sunday, a seemingly armed person approached with a sign branding the mourners as supporters of a “fascist.”
The group thanked the administration for ensuring students’ safety and de-escalating the situation.
“Still, students reported veiled threats as they left, and messages left in grief were later defaced in an act of vandalism,” the group wrote.
They added that Viker’s comments worsen this “distressing climate.”
Viker is one of several professors who have received backlash for inflammatory comments following Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The University of Florida revoked the emeritus status of retired law professor Jeffrey Harrison after he labeled Kirk an “evil person,” The College Fix reported.
Harrison also wrote, “I did not want him to die. I reserve that wish for Trump.”
