Minnesota state Sen. Julia Coleman reflects on "mentor" Charlie Kirk
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at an outdoor rally at Utah Valley University.
His Turning Point USA organization has chapters at several Minnesota universities and high schools. Kirk was also an early mentor to a state senator.
Christopher Flemming is a senior at St. Olaf Collage and the president of the university's chapter.
"This is really, really awful," Flemming said. "And his kids, I can't imagine. And his wife, oh my gosh, it's just awful. To see someone I could see myself emulating or that I want to be like, to see him die in that way is really scary."
Flemming is just one of many Minnesotans shaken. On Sept. 22, Kirk was supposed to be speaking to students at the University of Minnesota alongside political commentator Michael Knowles.
"Charlie Kirk was one of the first people who gave me a shot, hiring me in conservative politics," said Minnesota state Sen. Julia Coleman, R-Waconia.
Coleman worked for Kirk after college and says back then, he was like a mentor to her.
"People knew Charlie the political activist. I knew Charlie as a man of faith who really wanted to be a father," she said.
Kirk recently posted several times about Minneapolis and the Annunciation shooting. He first shared his condolences for the community before posting claims about the shooter's transgender identity fueling the violence. Police have not pointed to a motive in the attacks.
Kirk's murder has politicians questioning the price of public service.
"My mind goes to if I don't get out of this, my kids are going to grow up without their mom," Coleman said.
Coleman and Flemming welcome more debate, not more violence.
"It's an active choice everyone has to make, to chose not to fall into this trap where you think it's justified to hurt the people you disagree with," Flemming said.
Kirk's planned visit to U of M was for the "American Comeback" tour, where he was set to chat with students at Northrop Auditorium with Knowles. There's no word if Knowles will continue at the planned event.