Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp expressed his deepest sympathies Wednesday after Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at an event at a Utah college.
“In honor of Charlie Kirk’s impactful life, I am lowering the flags of the United States and Georgia to half-staff on state buildings and grounds from now until sunset on Sunday,” Kemp posted on X. “Please join Marty, the girls, and me in praying for his family and for the healing of our nation.”
In his Executive Order, Kemp acknowledges the impact Kirk had on those who followed him, and his constant advocacy for peaceful and respectful political discourse.
“Mr. Kirk was murdered while encouraging college students to be active civic members of their state and nation, something he had done numerous times, including at colleges and universities in this state,” the Order states. “Political hate and violence have no place in our democracy, and acts such as the one today that took Mr. Kirk’s life should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
Kirk lived in Arizona with his wife Erika and their two young children. Kirk was a mainstay on college campuses all over the country, where he frequently encouraged students to exchange ideas. Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones also grieved his loss.
“Charlie Kirk sought to solve problems with political dialogue, not political violence. He embraced debate, regardless of who you are and what you believe. This is an incredibly sad day for our country,” Jones wrote on X. “Charlie was a wonderful human with two young kids. Pray for him, his family, and pray for America.”
Other Georgia leaders shared prayers for Kirk’s family, including Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.
“We mourn the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk, who captured the voice of so many conservatives in our country. He was a husband, father, and man of faith. Please join me in praying for Erika and their children,” Carr wrote on X. “Charlie’s death is also a sobering reminder that something is deeply broken in America, and we must have the courage, strength, and commitment to come together and restore civility in this country.”
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger condemned the violence.
“Political violence has no place in America. It’s un-American, it undermines our democracy and dishonors the sacrifices of those who came before us. We must stand together in rejecting violence and recommitting to civility, respect, and the rule of law,” Raffensperger said.
