RICHMOND — Virginia officials across the political spectrum on Wednesday condemned the fatal shooting of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah.
Kirk, CEO and co-founder of the group Turning Point USA, was shot during an event at Utah Valley University. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Wednesday afternoon that Kirk had died.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk dies after being shot at Utah college event
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Kirk spoke last year during the quadrennial mock presidential election at Washington and Lee University in Lexington. He was scheduled to appear at Virginia Tech Sept. 24 as part of his college tour.
In 2019, Kirk then 26, and then-university president Jerry Falwell Jr., played a key role in the establishment of a think tank at Liberty University, called the Falkirk Center for Faith and Liberty.
The aim of the think tank was to shape government policies, national institutions and American culture around Judeo-Christian principles.
“It’s time we went on offense to stand up for the Church in America and to actively promote American freedoms based on the values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution,” Kirk said in a written statement at the time.
“It’s an honor to partner with President Jerry Falwell and Liberty University on this purpose-driven mission that will be used to organize an army of believers in faith and liberty, from renowned pastors to young influencers, to renew our sacred freedoms and defend our deeply held convictions.”
On Wednesday Virginia political leaders decried the shooting and said violence has no place in politics. Here is a sample of their statements:
“Suzanne and I are praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.”
– Gov. Glenn Youngkin
“Adam and I are praying for Charlie Kirk and his family. Political violence of any kind is unacceptable.”
– Abigail Spanberger, Democratic nominee for governor
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“Please keep Charlie Kirk in your prayers. He’s a husband, a young father, and someone who cares deeply about our country. Praying for him and his family.”
– Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Republican nominee for governor
“Political violence has no place in a just society. This horrible violence at Utah Valley University is incredibly tragic, unacceptable, and should be universally condemned – my thoughts are with the Kirk family.”
– Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.
“I ask all Virginians to join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and his family. There’s no place for violence in our politics.”
– Virginia House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City
“The violent attack on Charlie Kirk is unacceptable. Political violence has no place in our country.”
– Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor
“Praying for Charlie. This violence has to stop. No more!”
– John Reid, Republican nominee for lieutenant governor
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is reprehensible. Political violence is never acceptable or justified under any circumstances.”
– Rep. Bobby Scott, D-3rd
“Prayers for Charlie Kirk! Attacks based on political motives, from the left or the right, are wrong!”
– Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-9th
“Political violence has no place in our democracy and is never acceptable. We must stand united in condemning it, regardless of party. My prayers go out to Charlie Kirk, his family, and all those involved at Utah Valley University.”
– State Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William
“I ask sensible people on both sides of our political divide to join Suzanne and me in praying for Charlie Kirk and his beautiful young family.”
– Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingham
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