Texas leaders offer prayers, condemn violence after shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah university

Texas leaders are joining President Donald Trump and lawmakers across the country on both sides of the aisle, offering prayers and condemning violence after the fatal shooting of conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon.

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," the president said in a social media post on Wednesday. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"  

The president also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Kirk until sunset on Sunday.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he and his wife are devastated by Kirk's death.

"Cecilia and I are heartbroken by the assassination and passing of Charlie Kirk," Abbott's statement reads. "Charlie's voice was a beacon for millions of young Americans searching for truth, courage, and conviction. This senseless act of violence has no place in America. Our prayers are with Charlie's family and his loved ones, especially the two young children he leaves behind. Texas stands with them in mourning and in honoring Charlie's enduring legacy."  

Following Mr. Trump's order to fly flags at half-staff, Abbott ordered state flags to also be lowered in honor of Kirk.

Dallas GOP Chair Allen West reflects on friendship with Charlie Kirk, says the conservative voice inspired a generation

Former Congressman and current Dallas County GOP Chair Allen West had a close connection to Kirk.

They'd been on each other's podcasts, attended events together, and West even served on the Board of Advisors for Turning Point USA, the constitutional conservative grassroots movement Kirk founded at just 18-years-old.

"Charlie was very good at taking his message to young people," said West. "I think that, from the constitutional conservative aspect, that was something that was missing. To inspire young people, to create that movement among young people, and also go and willingly and willfully challenge and ask for the open debate." 

Just last month, Kirk was the keynote speaker at the Win The Storm conference in Dallas. 

West said he's grateful for the time they shared, and his heart is with Kirk's wife and two young children.  

"Charlie should be remembered as a young American man, a young American patriot, as a husband, as a father, as someone who was dedicated to the fundamental principles of this great nation," said West.

Tributes for Charlie Kirk pour in from Texas leaders

Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a statement saying, "This act of pure evil is truly sickening. Charlie was an American patriot, a friend, and a faithful husband and father. Join me in praying for Charlie's family and friends at this time. Words can not express how horrific this is to all of us."  

In a post on X, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he was heartbroken over the loss of Kirk, his friend for many years.

Sen. Ted Cruz echoed both Patrick's and Paxton's sentiments, calling Kirk's death "an act of unspeakable evil."

"Heidi and I are devastated and heartbroken," Cruz's statement reads. "Charlie Kirk's murder was an act of unspeakable evil. Charlie was a close friend; we first met when he was just 18, and Turning Point was a nascent idea. Charlie was courageous, brilliant, compassionate, and powerfully honest. He was a strong Christian who boldly proclaimed the Gospel. Charlie loved our country deeply, and we will forever remember him and honor his legacy. Heidi and I are praying for his wife Erika and their two young children, and all of his family and loved ones. May God's comfort and love be upon them. May Charlie rest in peace, and may he forever rest in the loving embrace of the Lord."

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson also said he was heartbroken and offered a Bible verse.

Sen. John Cornyn said on social media that he and his wife, Sandy, "join the entire nation in lifting Charlie Kirk's family up in prayer." 

"May God comfort them during this unimaginably difficult time," Cornyn's post reads.

Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Amarillo, said he is mourning Kirk and honoring his memory.

"Charlie Kirk believed in open debate and honest conversation," Jackson said. "He loved his family and his country. We mourn his tragic passing and honor his memory. May he rest in peace. "

"Murder is so senseless and evil," Fort Worth Catholic Bishop Michael Olson said in a statement on social media. "Pray for deliverance from hatred, deliverance from a desire for revenge, and fortitude to defend the weak and vulnerable."

Leaders condemn violence

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker called it a dark day for the country, adding that "Regardless of our views, we cannot allow hatred or division to rob families of their loved ones and communities of their leaders."

In a statement, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin condemned the violence. 

"Even if you disagree with someone's beliefs, even if you stand against every single thing they stand for, the path of disagreement must never lead to what happened today at Utah Valley University," Martin said.

Former President George W. Bush also issued a statement condemning the violence.

"Today, a young man was murdered in cold blood while expressing his political views," his statement reads. "It happened on a college campus, where the open exchange of opposing ideas should be sacrosanct. Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public square. Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens. May God bless Charlie Kirk and his family, and may God guide America toward civility."  

• Texas Politics
• Shooting
• Ted Cruz
• Donald Trump
• Politics
• Republican Party
• Greg Abbott
• Texas
• Utah
• Ken Paxton