Leaders from both parties are condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk, an activist for freedom of speech and founder of Turning Point USA, who was shot and killed Wednesday during a student Q&A at Utah Valley University.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Kirk, who rose to national prominence as a conservative activist and debater, was known for engaging directly with those who disagreed with him.
“He’s the guy that was the champion out on the front lines having the debate, but he loved the people that disagreed with him. He loved it, and he loved the debate,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said, according to CBS News.
“We shouldn’t regard one another as enemies. We’re fellow Americans, and we should have vigorous debate, but it cannot lead to political violence. It’s just too much,” Johnson added.
Vice President JD Vance wrote on X, offering a personal remembrance of Kirk.
“Charlie Kirk was a true friend. The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him. I am on more than a few group chats with Charlie and people he introduced me to over the years,” Vance wrote on X.
“God didn’t answer those prayers, and that’s OK. He had other plans. And now that Charlie is in heaven, I’ll ask him to talk to big man directly on behalf of his family, his friends, and the country he loved so dearly. You ran a good race, my friend,” he added.
Even political opponents expressed sorrow. Former President Joe Biden called the attack unacceptable.
“There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones,” Biden wrote on X.
Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro also commented.
“We must speak with moral clarity. The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying and this growing type of unconscionable violence cannot be allowed in our society,” Shapiro said, according to The New York Times.