Local reactions to conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination

Popular conservative political influencer as well as CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated on Wednesday at a college speaking event at Utah Valley University.  

The event, titled “The American Comeback” and attended by around 3,000 students, was part of Kirk’s tour to rally youth support for conservative causes, including free markets, gun rights, and limited government. Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump and a key figure in his 2024 reelection campaign, had spoken just days after Trump’s own assassination attempt in July 2024.

Kirk, 31, leaves behind a wife and two small children. The search for the shooter is ongoing.

Below are the social media reactions to Kirk’s death from representatives of the four-state area:

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe – “Claudia and I are deeply saddened to hear of Charlie Kirk’s passing.

Political violence tears at our nation’s very foundation. America was built on passionate yet peaceful debate and freedom of expression.

Charlie was an unwavering voice for conservatives across the country who raised the bar for civic engagement and political dialogue, inspiring countless young people to make their voices heard.

His tireless advocacy and sharp commentary have left a lasting impact on American politics.

Claudia and I continue to pray for Charlie’s family, his many friends, and our country.”

Missouri US Representative Eric Burlison – “Charlie Kirk has been instrumental in leading the conservative youth movement across our county.

He has led the charge across college campuses, defending individual liberties and teaching a generation of young people how to think for themselves.

Charlie is the man in the arena, fighting back against the deranged indoctrination in education that has corrupted so many of our institutions.

We are all praying for Charlie, his wife, and his two children.

This tragedy is a painful reminder of the evil that exists in our world. This kind of violence must never be tolerated.”

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway – “My Office is sending prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family during this tragic time. 

There is always room for disagreement in public discourse but violence is not acceptable.”

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly – “Violence should never be used to resolve political differences. We, as leaders, need to step out of our partisan pathways and model a return to sanity and civility. We owe it to Charlie Kirk and to all Americans.”

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab – “I am asking for all Kansans to pray for Charlie Kirk, his wife and young children.”

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach – “Heather and I urge all Americans to pray for Charlie Kirk’s family and our country.”

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt – “Charlie was a great American. The world will be a darker place without him here. 

I am praying for his wife and children and all those who knew him and looked up to him. 

At times like this, we must turn to the Lord. 

Psalm 34:18”

Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell – “Heartbroken to learn of Charlie Kirk’s passing. I first met him years ago when he was just starting Turning Point USA. He was a strong, consistent voice for what he believed in and inspired a generation of young Americans to get civically involved. My prayers are with his wife, children, and loved ones.”

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond – “I am devastated for the family of Charlie Kirk after his senseless assassination. I pray for their comfort and healing in the wake of this unimaginable loss.

Politically motivated violence has become a deadly epidemic in this country. There is never justification to extinguish a life over political disagreements.”

Oklahoma Congressman Josh Brecheen – “May God’s mercy and comfort be with Charlie’s beautiful family, his wife, and precious children. 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

We also pray during this dark moment that hearts in our nation would be stirred to repentance over hatred towards others. May our culture fully see the need for following Christ’s teachings to love our neighbor as ourselves!!!!”

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee-Sanders – “America witnessed a cowardly act of evil today.

To Charlie and his family – well done, good and faithful servant. America is better because of you.”

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge – “Charlie Kirk was a man who loved God, the USA and his family—his wife and two small children. Charlie Kirk would have had a conversation with the coward who killed him. May Charlie’s senseless and horrific death ignite a fire among all Americans with faith in God at the forefront that we must return to civil discourse and away from violence.

Praying for his wife and children in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy.”

Arkansas State Representative Steve Womack – “Charlie Kirk was only 31 years old, a husband and father of two young children. No matter the divisions in our nation, political violence is never the answer and cannot be accepted.”