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 on 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.
“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!”
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Kirk spoke last year during the quadrennial mock presidential convention at Washington and Lee University in Lexington. He was scheduled to appear at Virginia Tech on 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 stunned and grief-stricken by the brutal murder of Charlie Kirk today. We are praying for his beautiful wife and young family. Their anguish can only be healed by the Lord.”
— Gov. Glenn Youngkin
“I am horrified by the assassination of Charlie Kirk today. Adam and I are praying for his family and the entire Utah Valley University community who witnessed this horrific act. Political violence has absolutely no place in this country. This violent criminal must be found and brought to justice.”
— Abigail Spanberger, Democratic nominee for governor
“Charlie Kirk has died. I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe this is how we treat our political opponents. He’s got three young children. This is not how it’s supposed to be. … God please help us to figure a way how to talk to each other, how to get along. How to disagree without being disagreeable. How to care.”
— 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.
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“I was horrified to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot at a campus in Utah today and am praying for him, his family, the University, and our country.”
— Sen. Tim Kaine, 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
“There’s no place for violence in our politics. Our thoughts and prayers go up for Mr. Kirk and his family.”
– Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth.
“The violent attack on Charlie Kirk is unacceptable. Political violence has no place in our country.”
— Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor
“I am simultaneously heartbroken and enraged by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was a young and fearless voice for conservative values and a tireless advocate for the next generation of American leaders.”
— 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
“I am sickened by the tragic and senseless murder of Charlie Kirk. Mr. Kirk spent his career reaching out to and speaking to people of all political persuasions. His death is a major blow to civil discourse in America. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
— 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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