A live event where Hasan Piker's crowd sang a song mocking the late Charlie Kirk has reopened a fight over political violence and free speech — bad for Democrats, who are split on how to respond.

• Piker's crowd cheered a song ridiculing Kirk, months after Kirk was killed.
• His old comments that America deserved 9/11 resurfaced, and his walk-back drew boos from his own audience.
• Critics call him a rich socialist whose rhetoric could inspire a violent copycat.
• Others on the right say he helps them — his events turn off moderate voters and fire up the Republican base.
• His backing already hurt Democrats in a Wisconsin primary, where a candidate tied to him lost to a moderate.

Outlook: Expect Democrats to keep splitting over whether to embrace or distance themselves from Piker as the midterm races heat up.