Charlie Kirk killed at Utah college event: Arizona leaders react

PHOENIX - Arizona leaders are reacting to the death of outspoken conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk.

The backstory:

Kirk was at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, when he was shot. He was on campus for his American Comeback Tour.

A video shared on social media shows Kirk seated in a chair on a stage, speaking into a microphone. The footage captures the sound of a single gunshot, followed by Kirk's head jerking back and his body slumping.

President Donald Trump shared news of his death on Truth Social, calling him "a truly great American Patriot," and ordered American flags to fly at half staff.

The 31-year-old activist lived in the Valley, and Turning Point USA is headquartered in Phoenix.

Turning Point USA released a statement saying, "It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA's 'The American Comeback Tour' campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time."

What they're saying:

Arizona leaders, including the governor, are reacting to the news of Kirk's death.

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."

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. Ruben Gallego

"Beyond politics Charlie Kirk was someone’s father, husband and son.  Remember that first, before engaging in whataboutism.  His family will never be the same.  Political violence has to stop by all sides."

Sen. Warren Petersen

"I am absolutely shocked, sickened and outraged to hear about the passing of Charlie Kirk. Today was a dark day where evil was on full display. He was singular, indispensable and irreplaceable. America will not be the same without him," he posted to X.

His full statement readds, "Charlie Kirk was a devout Christian; he believed in Jesus Christ as his savior, and Charlie is currently in Heaven with his maker. This was a senseless act of evil in its truest form. We pray for his wife, his two young children, and his entire family for the heartbreaking loss they are currently grieving. This attack serves as a sobering reminder of the dangerous consequences that arise when political disagreements cross the line into violence. Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, there is never any justification for silencing someone with a bullet. Political violence has no place in America. Not on college campuses, not in our communities, not anywhere. It is concerning when such violence tears apart and intimidates the public or specific groups for political gain. The attack represents a direct assault on our democracy, our free speech, and the values we uphold as Americans. Today, I state unequivocally: enough is enough. This is not a protest; it is an act of terror. It must stop. We must defend our democracy, protect those who strive to improve our country, and ensure that the future of our nation is determined by ideas, ballots, and dialogue—not by bullets. There is no excuse for attempting to silence someone through violence, whether it be attempted assassinations of President Trump or this attack on a leader who fosters open conversations. The pattern is alarming. Political violence is real, it is escalating, and it is unacceptable. I am absolutely shocked, sickened, and outraged to hear about the passing of Charlie Kirk. Today was a dark day where evil was on full display. He was singular, indispensable, and irreplaceable. America will not be the same without him."

Gabrielle Giffords

"I'm horrified to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah. Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence."

Rep. Yassamin Ansari

"Political violence is never acceptable—this is horrific."

Rep. Juan Ciscomani

"Please join Laura and me in praying for Charlie Kirk and his family."

Rep. Abe Hamadeh

"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."

Rep. Andy Biggs

"Charlie. My friend. I’m heartbroken. Rest now."

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

"Political violence is never the answer. I strongly condemn the horrific act of violence against Charlie Kirk. We may not all agree in this country but our ability to freely share and discuss our political beliefs is what makes us American."

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan

"It is with a heavy heart that I learn the devastating news of the passing of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was tragically killed while speaking at a college in Utah - a senseless act of violence that has shaken all that knew him, supported his work, or stood alongside him in defense of free speech and conservative values.
Charlie was more than a national figure - he was one of our own. A proud resident of Maricopa County, he not only lived here but rooted his business and mission right here in our community. He believed deeply in the promise of America, and spent his life fighting to preserve the freedoms that so many take for granted. Whether you agreed with him or not, no one can deny the impact Charlie had on our country - or the tragic injustice of his life being cut short in such a violent way. As Sheriff of Maricopa County, and as someone who respected Charlie's courage and tenacity, I mourn alongside his family, his friends, and the countless supporters whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, Charlie."

Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes

"The shooting in Utah is deeply troubling, our hearts are with Charlie Kirk and those impacted. As Sheriff—I condemn this political violence in the strongest terms. I have full confidence Utah law enforcement will hold those responsible accountable."

Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro

"God bless American hero Charlie Kirk and his family. His horrific assassination today is a devastating tragedy that strikes at the heart of our nation. Charlie was a fearless voice who inspired millions with his faith, his devotion to freedom, and his conviction to defend America’s founding principles.

This was political terrorism. Violence aimed at silencing any voices must be confronted and dealt with justly and without hesitation.

Charlie is now with his Heavenly Father, but his legacy will endure in the movement he built, the young people he awakened, and the truth he spoke without apology."

Arizona Senate Republicans

Arizona Senate Republicans are mourning the loss of Charlie Kirk, after a shooting at an event at Utah Valley University today. The suspect is currently at large. The state lawmakers are calling on all Arizonans to pray for his family during this horrific time. Kirk, Turning Point USA founder and an iconic conservative figure, was exercising his right to engage with students when he was violently targeted and shot on stage.

Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin

"Charlie Kirk's murder is appalling. Political violence is unacceptable. Ascribing 'evil' to political adversaries and resorting to violence is true evil. Domestic terrorism in our midst is a national nightmare. Charlie was engaging with students on a college campus, a forum for ideas. Abraham Lincoln once called upon our country to be 'touched by the better angels of our nature.' My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, and all those who loved him."

Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Gina Swoboda

"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."

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