Elected officials in Alabama Wednesday reacted with sadness to the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk while calling for a stop to political violence.
Kirk, 31, died after being shot at an event at an Utah college. He was the co-founder and CEO of the youth organization Turning Point USA.
“Charlie was a leading voice in the conservative movement who brought countless young Americans into the fold of American politics,” U.S. Sen. Katie Britt said in a written statement. “He was fearless, and started important conversations in our 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 Associated Press reported that one gunshot rang out where Kirk was speaking Wednesday.
“Political violence has NO PLACE in the United States of America,” U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, said on social media. “I join in praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.”
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Birmingham, said “senseless acts of political violence have no place in our country.”
Gov. Kay Ivey said Alabamians are wrapping the Kirk family in prayer during this unimaginable time of loss.
“Charlie was a husband, father and patriot,” Ivey said. “I hope and pray his mission to have good dialogue continues.”
A backer of Trump during the president’s initial 2016 run, Kirk took Turning Point from one of a constellation of well-funded conservative groups to the center of the right-of-center universe.
“Charlie Kirk was a true patriot who loved this country,” candidate for Alabama governor and U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said. “I enjoyed going on his podcast, serving on boards together, and working side by side to advance the conservative movement.”
Kirk’s evangelical Christian beliefs were intertwined with his political perspective, and he argued there was no true separation of church and state, the AP reported.
“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,” said Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Barry Moore, R-Enterprise.
Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, said he was “heartbroken” about the “senseless act of political violence.”
Jerry Carl, a former U.S. representative and current candidate for the 1st District, criticized Wednesday some news coverage of Kirk’s shooting.
“Political violence is never the answer—our fight is at the ballot box,” Carl said. “The disgusting far-left media blaming him for his assignation is shameful.”
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, called Kirk a devoted Christian and father.
“Because of his faith, I know he is now at peace with the Lord,” Aderholt said. “Please continue to pray for Charlie’s family, his young children, and all of his loved ones.”
Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville, said Kirk was an “American patriot” who was dedicated to his faith and conservative values.
“The horrific political violence we witnessed today has no place in the United States,” Strong said. “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.”
Alabama Daily News’ Alex Angle and Trisha Powell Crain contributed to this report.