Virginia’s leaders are reacting to the death of political commentator and activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday while speaking on stage at an event at Utah Valley University. The event was hosted by Kirk’s conservative nonprofit youth organization Turning Point USA.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Younkin posted Wednesday on social media that, “Suzanne and I are stunned and grief-stricken by the brutal murder of Charlie Kirk today. We are praying for his beautiful wife and young family. Their anguish can only be healed by the Lord. While the promise of the Lord is that God welcomed Charlie Kirk to Heaven with the words “well done my good and faithful servant,” we mourn together. May the peace of the Lord be with Charlie’s family.”
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner posted on X: “Political violence has no place in a just society. This horrible violence at Utah Valley University is incredibly tragic, unacceptable, and should be universally condemned — my thoughts are with the Kirk family.”
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine posted that he is “praying for Charlie Kirk’s family, the Utah Valley University community, and our country.”
President Donald Trump ordered all flags on public grounds be flown at half-staff through September 14 “as a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk.” Youngkin followed suit and ordered “that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth in memory and respect of Charlie Kirk.”
Feature image of Charlie Kirk speaking at a February 2020 event courtesy SOPA Images Limited/Alamy