On Wednesday, a gunman shot and killed far-right political commentator and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, UT.
In the immediate wake of Kirk’s assassination, political leaders on both sides of the aisle, including nearly every member of Alabama’s congressional delegation, quickly released statements condemning political violence and offering their condolences to Kirk’s family.
“Charlie Kirk was a true patriot who loved his country. I enjoyed going on his podcast, serving on boards together, and working side by side to advance the conservative movement,” U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, posted to his X account following the shooting. “My heart breaks for [Kirk’s wife] Erika, his two kids, and the Kirk family. Their world—and ours—will never be the same. Please join me in praying for them.”
U.S. Senator Katie Britt, R-Alabama, also shared her condolences for Kirk’s family in an official statement Wednesday, and decried increasing political violence as a “true sickness” in the U.S.
“Please join Wesley and me in praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and for our nation as they mourn this unbelievable tragedy. My heart breaks for his loved ones—especially his wife and two children he leaves behind,” Britt stated. “Charlie was a leading voice in the conservative movement who brought countless young Americans into the fold of American politics. He was fearless, and started important conversations and discourse not only throughout the country, but throughout the world. Most importantly, he was a loving father and husband. His legacy and impact will live on for generations.”
“Political violence has reached new heights and become a true sickness in our nation. Please pray for our country,” the senator added.
Britt also called for political unity and peace in the aftermath of Kirk’s killing during a press conference on Thursday.
“Political violence has no place in America. What we saw yesterday—and everyone saw it—is sickening, it is disgusting, it was a political assassination. And all of you sitting in these rows have a duty and an obligation to call it that,” Britt told reporters. “You know, when I’m thinking about Charlie, obviously his faith was the most important thing in his life, his wife, his children. Our prayers are with them. He influenced countless Americans and people across the world, my kids being amongst those groups. Talking with them last night, talking through this with them last night, it’s just unthinkable that this is happening in the United States of America, and so the time for unity, the time for peace, it is now.”
Several of Alabama’s U.S. representatives also made public statements on X mourning Kirk and denouncing political violence.
“Charlie Kirk loved the Lord, his family, and his country. He was an American patriot who dedicated his life to advancing the Gospel and conservative values,” U.S. Representative Dale Strong, R-Alabama, posted to his X account. “Charlie will forever be remembered as one of the greatest conservative leaders of his time. I am praying for the Kirk family and all those who loved him. The horrific political violence we witnessed today has no place in the United States. May we carry on Charlie’s legacy by engaging in respectful dialogue and remembering that, at the end of the day, we are all Americans.”
“Heather and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Charlie Kirk. Charlie’s unwavering voice for the values that should unite us — faith, family, and freedom, inspired countless Americans to stand strong in the fight for our nation’s future,” wrote U.S. Representative Barry Moore, R-Alabama, “Please join us in lifting up Charlie’s family, friends, and all those who knew him in prayer during this difficult time.”
“I am deeply saddened to hear of Charlie Kirk’s passing. Charlie was a devoted Christian and father. Because of his faith, I know he is now at peace with the Lord. Please continue to pray for Charlie’s family, his young children, and all of his loved ones,” wrote U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama.
“Senseless acts of political violence have no place in our country. Ann and I are heartbroken to hear about the passing of Charlie Kirk. He was a strong advocate for conservative values and impacted the lives of countless students through Turning Point USA. Please join us in lifting his family, friends, and loved ones in prayer,” wrote U.S. Representative Gary Palmer, R-Alabama.
“I am heartbroken for Charlie Kirk and his family following this senseless act of political violence. Please join me in lifting them up in prayer today,” wrote U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, R-Alabama.
U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, one of Alabama’s two Democratic representatives, also shared a statement condemning political violence and praying for Kirk’s family.
“Political violence has NO PLACE in the United States of America. I join in praying for Charlie Kirk and his family,” Sewell wrote on her X account.
On Thursday, President Trump announced that he would be posthumously awarding Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian award in the United States. Sen. Britt called the award a “fitting honor” while Sen. Tuberville reposted the announcement on his X account.
Kirk’s killer currently remains at large, with an FBI manhunt underway.
