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Conservative activist and Arizona resident Charlie Kirk was shot during a visit to a Utah college campus and died Wednesday afternoon.
Kirk was holding an event at Utah Valley University. Video shared on social media showed him sitting at a table under a covering on a lawn, surrounded by hundreds of attendees. During a back-and-forth with the audience, Kirk suddenly jerked back, blood spilling from his neck. The crowd scattered in a panicked scramble.
Initial reports of a suspect in custody proved to be incorrect. As of mid-afternoon on Wednesday, the shooter was still at large.
The 31-year-old Kirk rose to be a power player in conservative politics largely via campus speaking and debate tours. Through twin Arizona-based organizations, Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action, he grew to wield broad influence over the Republican Party and young conservatives in particular. He had a close association with President Donald Trump and has advocated for far-right positions on abortion, transgender rights and immigration.
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Here is what major political figures, in Arizona and beyond, are saying.
How Arizona and America reacted to Kirk’s death
Gov. Katie Hobbs X
Sen. Ruben Gallego X
Sen. Mark Kelly X
X
Rep. Andy Biggs
Warren Peterson, Arizona Senate President X
Rachel Mitchell, Maricopa County Attorney
X
Gina Swobda, Republican Party of Arizona chair X
Stephen Richer, former recorder of Maricopa County X
X
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
Rep. David Schweikert X
X Vice President J.D. Vance X Charlie Kirk is a husband, father, son and friend. He is an incredible man who loves America. He has been shot in what appears to be an assassination attempt in Utah. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs I am horrified by the violent attack on Charlie Kirk. In a democracy, we solve our disagreements at the ballot box. Political violence is never acceptable. Sen. Mark Kelly The news that Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking in Utah is shocking and horrible. It’s an example of political violence that has no place in our country. Gabby and I are thinking of him and his family. https://t.co/nUWJ0rM8wZ Rep. Abe Hamadeh Congressman Hamadeh's Statement on the Assassination Attempt on Charlie Kirk: Rep. Yassamin Ansari Political violence is never acceptable-this is horrific. https://t.co/DrVqv1drRK Rep. Andy Biggs Rep. Juan Ciscomani Please join Laura and me in praying for Charlie Kirk and his family. Rep. Greg Stanton The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying. I’m praying hard for him, and keeping his family in my thoughts. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes
The news of Charlie Kirk being shot is terrible and disturbing. I condemn political violence. This cannot be who we are. We are all Americans. Arizona governor candidate Karrin Taylor Robson Arizona attorney general candidate Rodney Glassman Pray for Charlie Kirk. He is a father, husband, and was so kind to my daughter. pic.twitter.com/JolPCfdhYg Former Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer Arizona state Sen. Jake Hoffman A gunman opened fire on Charlie Kirk at a campus event in Utah today. Arizona state Sen. Analise Ortiz
Political violence has no place in a free and fair democracy. https://t.co/bOhDel0J9l
Karrin Taylor Robinson, Republican gubernatorial hopeful
Reactions to the initial news of Kirk’s shooting
Kari Lake
I am holding Charlie, his wonderful wife Erika and their children is deep prayer.
Almighty Father, Please…
We are monitoring the situation very closely. Until we learn more, I urge everyone to join me in praying for this faithful patriot, his beautiful family, and our country.
Political violence has absolutely no place in our country. https://t.co/u0MRmdavk3
Pray for Charlie.
