Online Reactions Split Over the Performance
Political Division Accelerates Amid Kirk Memorial Controversy
At Riot Fest, the largest independent rock and punk music festival in the United States, which began in 2005, a heavy metal band sparked controversy by staging an intense performance involving models resembling Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, and Donald Trump, former President of the United States. On September 21 (local time), the New York Post reported that the heavy metal band GWAR took the stage at the music festival held in Chicago on September 20, where they performed an act of beheading a model dressed as Musk-complete with sunglasses, a hat, a "DOGE" T-shirt, and black pants-and also staged a scene in which a model resembling Trump was knocked down.
A heavy metal band in the United States is causing controversy by performing an intense act targeting models resembling Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, and Donald Trump, former President of the United States. Photo by New York Post
GWAR, formed in the United States in 1984, is well known for its grotesque costumes and shocking stage performances. In the past, they have thrown fake blood and liquids at the audience and staged intense acts involving models resembling former President Joe Biden. However, as footage of the recent performance spread across social networking services, criticism arose that the act "justifies violence against living individuals."
One online user commented, "This is simply disgusting and irresponsible; GWAR and Riot Fest have crossed the line." Some fans also pointed out that "given the sensitive atmosphere following the recent Charlie Kirk murder case, the timing was highly inappropriate." On the other hand, another user defended the act, stating, "There have been many performances targeting sitting politicians in the past." In response to the controversy, the organizers of Riot Fest stated, "The claim that GWAR has crossed the line is the funniest thing I've ever heard."
Ideological Conflict in U.S. Society Deepens Over Kirk Memorial
Meanwhile, in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death, not only is there a surge of mourning, but also a growing atmosphere of hatred and division. The United States Secret Service, responsible for protecting the president and other key figures, arrested an armed man carrying a gun and knife at State Farm Stadium, where Kirk's memorial service was held on September 19. Earlier, on September 17, a 49-year-old man in Phoenix was arrested by police after threatening to shoot up a gay bar, claiming to be a martyr for Charlie Kirk. As ideological conflict surrounding Kirk's death intensifies, there are growing concerns that indiscriminate acts of terror could rapidly increase.
Amid the death of Charlie Kirk, not only is there a wave of mourning for him, but also a growing atmosphere of hatred and division. Photo by AP Yonhap News
Most notably, the political sphere-which should be leading efforts to resolve conflict and promote reconciliation-is becoming even more divided. On September 19, a Kirk memorial resolution passed the U.S. House of Representatives under Republican leadership, but 96 Democratic lawmakers either opposed or abstained, further heightening ideological tensions. Additionally, Vice President JD Vance, who took over as host of Kirk's podcast, made strong remarks, vowing to "punish the radical left-wing lunatics," thereby fueling the conflict. Meanwhile, at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was killed, more than 2,000 students signed a petition opposing the proposal to erect a Kirk memorial on campus, escalating tensions within the university community.
Above all, the murder of Kirk highlights that American politics and society are caught in a "vicious cycle of violence." In June, a Democratic state lawmaker and his spouse in Minnesota were killed in a shooting by a Republican supporter, and in April, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the residence of Josh Shapiro, the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania. As ideological conflict increasingly takes violent forms, the divisions within American society are accelerating.
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