(LEX 18) — Kentucky lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle are condemning the violence that claimed the life of conservative activist and media personality Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, the CEO of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed earlier today while hosting an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
"Just to see the tragedy and then learning of his passing...is just really...it's a dark day in America," said state House Representative Ryan Dotson (R - Winchester).
Rep. Dotson called for prayer and healing in response to the tragedy.
"It's time to pray. Humanity is so broken right now. This world needs God, it needs Jesus. It needs a healing from the inside out," Dotson said.
Governor Andy Beshear ordered flags at half-staff in Kentucky until Sunday out of respect for Kirk. In a statement, Beshear said he strongly condemns the senseless attack.
"I strongly condemn the senseless attack on Charlie Kirk today. Political violence has no place in the United States of America. It further tears our country apart and sets us back versus moving us forward. Violence is always wrong. Period," the governor said.
I strongly condemn the senseless attack on Charlie Kirk today. Political violence has no place in the United States of America. It further tears our country apart and sets us back versus moving us forward. Violence is always wrong. Period.
— Andy Beshear (@AndyBeshearKY) September 10, 2025
Congressman Andy Barr called the tragedy "a national disgrace, a national tragedy, and a wake up call for America."
"Enough is enough...I continue to pray for Charlie's family during this unspeakable tragedy," Barr said.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a national disgrace and a wake up call for America. Enough is enough. I continue to pray for Charlie’s family during this unspeakable tragedy.
— Congressman Andy Barr (@RepAndyBarr) September 10, 2025
"Charlie's not just passed away, he was assassinated. Someone went through the trouble of designing a plan to take this young man's life. He bothered no one, he's done no insurrections. He just commonly spoke to the left and right. Brought them together," said Rep. Dotson.
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Senator Rand Paul released a statement via X, calling Kirk "gifted, fearless, and driven by a fierce love for his kids and country."
Charlie Kirk was relentless in his pursuit of open debate—even with his fiercest critics. Gifted, fearless, and driven by a fierce love for his kids and country, he faced the risks head-on because he believed in a better future.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) September 10, 2025
He sounded the alarm of rising political violence…
Representative Thomas Massie also said on X that his "heart is broken for Charlie Kirk and my prayers are with his friends and family."
My heart is broken for Charlie Kirk and my prayers are with his friends and family.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) September 10, 2025
Our country was founded on principles of free speech and open political discourse.
Nothing justifies violence against any voice on the left or right of today’s debates.
The Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge released the following statement regarding the tragic incident:
“What happened today in Utah isn’t just a tragedy but a despicable act of political violence that has no place in our democracy. No American, Democrat or Republican, should live in fear of becoming a target based on what they believe or how they vote. Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk’s family and with the students and staff impacted by today’s senseless events.”
The Republican Party of Kentucky Chairman Robert J. Benvenuti III issued the following statement
Today, our nation is plunged into profound grief with the loss of Charlie Kirk, a remarkable individual whose life exemplified dedication not only to the principles of liberty but also to the joys and responsibilities of family and faith. This heinous act of political violence strikes at the heart of our democracy and cannot be tolerated. The RPK is praying for his wife, Erika, and their two young children, as well as Turning Point USA, and all who cherished his work. We trust that law enforcement will be successful in its pursuit of evil and that justice will be served. And, we remind those that facilitate, encourage, or engage in political extremism and violence in an effort to erode our God given rights, that they will never be victorious.
