North Carolina lawmakers reacted to the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot in the neck by an unknown assailant on Wednesday during the first leg of his “American Comeback Tour,” at Utah Valley University.
The 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder was a well-known figure on college campuses, where he often engaged in dialogue with students from all walks of life and political beliefs. Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika and two young children.
As of Thursday, the shooter had not been apprehended.
Democratic Gov. Josh Stein wrote on social media that his heart is heavy with sadness at the news of Kirk’s death, and also the senseless murders of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, the late Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark.
“We are grappling with a series of devastating tragedies, one after another,” Stein said. “I urge everyone to spend time with loved ones tonight, hold them close, and then come back tomorrow ready to fight for the soul of this nation. We cannot, we will not give up on America.”
Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper said on social media that political violence has no place in America.
“Violence is unacceptable,” Cooper wrote. “I strongly condemn the attack on Charlie Kirk and political violence in all forms. I’m praying for his swift recovery.”
Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis also condemned the violence.
“Praying for Charlie Kirk. Political violence has no place in our society,” Tillis said.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Budd wrote that Kirk’s assassination was the result of normalizing hate.
“Charlie Kirk challenged people to think differently and defend their beliefs — he was met with violence,” Budd said. “This is the ugly face of the Left’s moral collapse: normalizing hate, applauding chaos, and fueled by a media that profits off despair. Political violence has no place in America. May God grant eternal rest & reward to Charlie and may God provide grace and comfort to his wife & two children as they deal with their unimaginable grief.”
President Pro Tempore and Republican state Sen. Phil Berger expressed his grief at Kirk’s death.
“We lost a prominent voice in American politics today. Charlie Kirk was a strong Christian who represented the best of us,” Berger wrote. “His life’s mission was to have good-faith discussions with others who saw the world differently than he and help educate the public on conservative principles. I will continue to keep Charlie’s family in my prayers.”
