Senate President Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) released the following statement today after hearing about Charlie Kirk’s passing:

“I am heartbroken to learn of the shooting that took Charlie Kirk’s life during a campus event in Utah. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, family, and the Turning Point community he helped build.

While details are limited, what we do know is that political violence is an attack on every American. It will not silence lawful speech, open debate, or the civic engagement Charlie encouraged in young people since he founded Turning Point as a teenager. Charlie often said at the start of his events, ‘If you disagree with me, please come to the front.’ He invited dissent and encouraged all to disagree without being disagreeable.

Charlie often urged students to stand up for their ideas with courage and to answer arguments with argument, not anger. The way we honor that legacy is to reject violence, protect free expression, and meet one another in the arena of ideas. Now is a time for prayer, reflection, and an absolute rejection of violence and the rhetoric that fuels it.”