In the days following a tragic shooting at Utah Valley University, tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. One notable account came from CNN’s Van Jones, who revealed that just 24 hours before the attack, the victim had privately reached out to invite Jones for a “respectful conversation” on his show.
The two had recently clashed over a racially charged murder case, sparking heated debate online and a wave of threats against Jones. Yet, instead of escalating tensions, the victim extended an olive branch. “Hey, Van, I mean it, I’d love to have you on my show to have a respectful conversation about crime and race,” the message read. “We can disagree about the issues agreeably.”
Jones lamented that he never got the chance to respond. In his column, he emphasized that condemning the act of violence was “immediate, unconditional, and without qualification,” noting that the attack robbed the community of a rising voice and left a grieving family behind. Authorities confirmed that the accused shooter, Tyler Robinson, was peacefully surrendered with the help of family friends and law enforcement.
Prosecutors have announced they will pursue the death penalty. For Jones, the final message serves as a reminder of civility and dialogue. “When our public dispute started going sideways, what was his response? He pushed for more conversation, not more silencing,” Jones said. His outreach in the last 24 hours demonstrates a commitment to respectful debate, offering a model for Americans to reject violence and embrace conversation, even amid deep political divides.
