Siouxland political leaders react to Charlie Kirk shot at university event

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) - Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist, died after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10, according to President Donald Trump.

Siouxland’s political leaders have released statements regarding his death. Kirk was the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization, Turning Point USA, according to the Associated Press.

Read More: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk dead after being shot at university event, Trump says.

Iowa

Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA)

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA)

Rep. Marianne Miller-Meeks (R-IA)

Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA)

Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA)

Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA)

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)

Chris McGowan (R-IA 4th District Congressional Candidate)

“The political assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, will, in fact, mark a turning point in our nation’s history. Mr. Kirk was a brilliant orator and debater who reflected the finest traditions of civil discourse. The fact that Charlie would frequent college campuses and invite students and professors who disagreed with him to take the microphone and challenge his political positions served to underscore the importance of free speech, liberal arts education, and the universal preference for political persuasion over coercion.

As we grieve and grapple with another senseless act of violence, we must recognize that the answer will never be found in the forceful suppression of free speech nor the reprehensible embrace of political violence. Those who advocate for or excuse such conduct are ultimately contributing to the erosion of our cherished freedoms. In an international context, we call this “terrorism.” It is no less true in a domestic setting.

Whether you agreed with him or not, Charlie Kirk was a dedicated husband and devoted father who was murdered for his political beliefs and patriotic love of country. The murderous actions that took him from his wife and children cannot ever be tolerated in these United States of America. Period."

Nebraska

Gov. Jim Pillen (R-NE)

“The news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination is devastating, not only for conservatives, but for supporters of liberty and free expression everywhere. Charlie stood fearlessly, not only for his own beliefs, but for engagement and debate. Indeed, he was doing just that when he died. He inspired countless young people with his principled activism, including on campus right here in Nebraska.

Suzanne and I are deeply saddened by this act of senseless political violence, and I ask that all Nebraskans pray for God’s grace and comfort to be brought to his wife and young kids. We must condemn and end political violence in America.”

Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE)

“Charlie Kirk was participating in the very American act of political dialogue when he was taken from us. He was a husband, son, and father of two little children. Political violence is anti-American. It’s an attack against our very values. It’s an attack on our republic. In our great country, we settle our disagreements with ballots, not bullets. Please join me in prayer for his family as they mourn.”

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE)

Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE)

“From the White House to college campuses, Charlie Kirk used his platform to talk about conservative principles, share his faith in Jesus, and to connect the next generation of Americans to the Republican Party. Mandi and I are praying for his wife and kids and urge all Americans to work towards bringing peace to our divided country. We must bring an end to the political violence that seems to be growing in our country.”

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE)

“The loss of Charlie Kirk marks a tragic day for American politics. Charlie was a patriot who lived his conservative values by championing free speech for all. Regardless of viewpoint, political violence is never acceptable. My prayers are with his wife and young children. May the investigation to bring his killer to justice be swift and successful.”

Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE)

South Dakota

Gov. Larry Rhoden (R-SD)

“Charlie Kirk was a good man, a great American, and a true voice for Freedom. Please join Sandy and me in praying for his family.”

Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD)

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD)

Praying for Charlie Kirk and his family. Political violence has no place in our country.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD)

Want to get the latest news and weather from Siouxland’s News Source? Follow these links to download our KTIV News app and our First Alert Weather app.