Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego Postpones Town Halls Amid Rising Security Threats Following Kirk Assassination

Phoenix, Arizona – September 18, 2025  

In a move underscoring the escalating tensions in the U.S. political landscape, U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has announced the postponement of two upcoming town hall events in his home state due to credible security threats. The decision, shared via a statement from his office, comes just days after the high-profile assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, amplifying concerns over political violence nationwide.

Gallego, a Marine combat veteran and freshman senator who assumed office earlier this year after defeating Republican Kari Lake in the 2024 election, was scheduled to host town halls in Tucson on September 23 and Yuma on September 25. Both events have been indefinitely delayed "out of an abundance of caution," according to a spokesperson for the senator. This marks the second such cancellation in recent weeks, following the postponement of a September 13 town hall in Nevada for similar reasons.

"I'm deeply grateful to everyone who helped plan these events and to the Arizonans who were ready to show up, but I do not want to put anyone's safety at risk," Gallego said in the statement. He emphasized his commitment to democratic principles, adding, "Intimidation and violence cannot be allowed in our country." The senator's office has reported the threats to the U.S. Capitol Police, which include ominous social media posts and harassing phone calls. Among the messages received, one individual warned Gallego to "better watch your six… just sayin'," while another chilling post from the day before Kirk's death asked, "How’s your neck feeling? You starting to feel that itchy feeling that the hangman is slowly creeping up behind you?"

The backdrop to these threats is the September 10 shooting death of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk, a prominent conservative figure whose organization is headquartered in Phoenix, was a vocal critic of Democratic policies and had ties to former President Donald Trump's orbit. His assassination has sent shockwaves through political circles, prompting increased security measures for public officials across party lines. Gallego, who represents Arizona—a battleground state where Turning Point has significant influence—has not directly linked the threats to Kirk's group, but the timing has raised alarms.

This is not the first time Gallego has faced disruptions to his public engagement schedule. Earlier this year, he successfully held a joint town hall with fellow Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) in a Republican-leaning district, where he fielded questions from constituents frustrated by their own representatives' avoidance of similar events. Gallego has been active in Arizona since taking office, visiting cities like Douglas, Sierra Vista, and Flagstaff, and even traveling to early primary states such as Pennsylvania, Iowa, and New Hampshire—fueling speculation about his potential national ambitions. His August appearance at the Iowa State Fair drew protesters affiliated with Turning Point organizations, though no incidents occurred.

Gallego's office described the postponement as "not a decision made lightly," with press secretary Taylor Tasler telling local media, "We need to condemn all political violence." A memorial for Kirk was held Wednesday evening at the Yuma Superior Courthouse, highlighting the activist's impact in the region. No new dates for the Tucson or Yuma events have been announced, but Gallego reaffirmed his dedication to hearing from constituents through alternative means, such as telephone town halls—a format he used effectively in February to discuss issues like Social Security threats, housing affordability, and federal layoffs under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives led by Elon Musk.

The incidents come amid a broader wave of security concerns for elected officials. U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) recently postponed a rally in North Carolina for similar reasons, as reported by the Associated Press. Political analysts note that the polarized environment, exacerbated by the 2024 election cycle and ongoing debates over immigration, border security, and economic policies, has made public forums increasingly risky. Gallego, a ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee during his time in the House and a vocal advocate for national security, has long prioritized protecting communities from both foreign and domestic threats.

As investigations into Kirk's assassination continue, Gallego's decision serves as a stark reminder of the personal risks borne by public servants. Arizona Democrats and Republicans alike have called for unity against violence, but the postponements highlight the fragile state of civil discourse in the Grand Canyon State. For updates on rescheduled events or further developments, constituents are encouraged to visit Gallego's official Senate website.

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