State, national leaders react to shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

OREM, UT — Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative youth activist organization Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, according to Donald Trump.

A suspect has not been taken into custody.

A single shot was fired on campus toward Kirk, a visiting speaker, shortly after noon, the school said.

WATCH: State Senator Jake Hoffman remembers his friend Charlie Kirk

Immediately following the news, state and national leaders issued statements on social media.

Read more of them below:

Congressman Abe Hamadeh released the following statement:

Charlie Kirk was a force to be reckoned with. He was a Happy Warrior for the conservative cause.

He was martyred doing what he did best, talking to young people and sharing ideas. That is what is supposed to happen on our college campuses: sharing diverse opinions and entertaining others’ points of view in the pursuit of a brighter future for all.

We will not let a lone gunman snuff out the bright fire Charlie lit in the hearts of young patriots who share the America First agenda and are part of the Make America Great Again Movement, nor will we stop our efforts to bridge the political divide through conversation.

We will carry on what he started and build on his lasting legacy of inspiring the next generation of American leaders.

I urge everyone to join me in praying for the soul of this faithful patriot, his beautiful family, and our country.

Kirk's wife, Erika, was a former Miss Arizona. The Miss Arizona organization released the following statement:

"Words fall short in conveying the sorrow and immeasurable grief we feel for Erika Frantzve Kirk and her family. The dignity, grace, and selflessness this remarkable couple embodied each day could only be described as that of whom ‘the world was not worthy’ (Hebrews 11:38). The Miss Arizona Organization extends our deepest admiration and sympathy in this most difficult time—Erika, we stand with you in love and unwavering solidarity."

Arizona Republican Party chair Gina Swoboda released the following statement:

“Words cannot describe the shock and horror I felt today when I learned of the senseless and tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Charlie was a loving husband, father and a good friend to many in the Republican Party of Arizona.

Charlie was a passionate advocate and defender of the principles of open dialogue, the free exchange of ideas, and free speech. Values which are at the very core of the American idea. I pray that his loss serves as a poignant and lasting reminder to all Americans of how fundamental these values are to who we are as a country and why we must never condone or excuse acts of political violence.

I know that I speak for all Arizona Republicans when I say that our prayers are with his wife Erika, her children, and the entire Kirk family. May God bless Charlie’s soul.”

Dream City Church, the local Valley Kirk attended shared the following statement:

"It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we at Dream City Church mourn the unthinkable and senseless murder or our dear friend and partner in ministry Charlie Kirk. He was a passionate advocate and a leading voice for faith, freedom, and biblical truth—a guiding force for a generation seeking clarity in a complex world.

Charlie’s presence at our church was less about politics—it was about purpose. Through his leadership at Turning Point USA and Turning Point Faith, Charlie inspired millions to stand firm in their biblical convictions and live out their faith with courage.

A dream was birthed four years ago between Pastor Luke Barnett and Charlie Kirk as Freedom Night in America was launched at Dream City Church. His countless contributions through Freedom Night in America gatherings were transformative, blending civic engagement with spiritual awakening in a way that resonated deeply with our congregation and beyond.

His life was a testament to bold leadership, unwavering conviction, and a heart for revival. Charlie’s voice may be silenced, but his legacy will continue to echo through the lives he touched and the truths that he championed.

On behalf of the entire Dream City Church family, our hearts go out to Charlie’s beloved wife, Erika, his children, and the Turning Point community. We are holding them close in prayer and standing with them in this time of unimaginable grief.

As a church, we remain deeply committed to the unshakable truths of the Bible and to empowering the next generation to boldly live out their faith. In honoring Charlie’s vision, we will continue to raise up voices that stand for truth, freedom, and the Gospel, with courage and conviction."

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