Florida leaders grieve Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, condemn political violence

Image via AP.

President Donald Trump has announced Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has died after being shot at an event at a Utah college.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “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!

Kirk lived in Arizona but also had a vacation home on the Gulf Coast in Southwest Florida. Turning Point is known for reaching out to college age groups, and Kirk has developed strong connections with several Florida leaders.

Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, was among those grieving the loss.

“Charlie Kirk was a father, husband, and dedicated patriot who spent his life defending conservative values and inspiring young Americans. Our hearts break for his wife, children, loved ones, and countless supporters across the country,” Gruters said in a statement.

“The horrifying violence at Utah Valley University that took the life of Charlie Kirk is utterly appalling. Republicans and Democrats alike must stand united in condemning this brutality that has no place in America.”

Other political leaders shared prayers and concerns with Kirk.

“I am completely heartbroken by the tragic loss of my friend and fellow patriot, Charlie Kirk, in a despicable, targeted act of violence. Ann and I are praying for the Kirk family, his wife, young children, and the entire Turning Point community,” U.S. Sen. Rick Scott posted.

“Charlie started an incredible movement in our nation, inspiring millions of young Americans to be involved in the future of their country and make their voices heard. He was led by God and his faith, and believed in the American dream, the value of family, and the principles of our great nation. Charlie will be long remembered for his love of this great nation and the legacy he left.”

U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna worked at Turning Point USA as a director before running for office. The Pinellas Republican said she was closely following the situation.

“I would not be here if Charlie Kirk had not gotten me involved,” Luna posted on X. “I am asking everyone in the country right now to pray for him and his family. We are praying that he pulls through this. Charlie was shot at an event where he was speaking out against trans shooting violence.”

Shortly after, she posted an angrier message: “I am done with the rhetoric this rotten House and corrupt media has caused. EVERY DAMN ONE OF YOU WHO CALLED US FASCISTS DID THIS,” she posted. “You were too busy doping up kids, cutting off their genitals, inciting racial violence by supporting orgs that exploit minorities, protecting criminals, and stirring hate. YOU ARE THE HATE you claim to fight. Your words caused this. Your hate caused this. Charlie. His family. Those kids. No one deserved this. Enough is enough.”

After news of Kirk’s death, Luna posted a photo of Kirk with his children and wife.

“Sometimes there are no words to describe the barrage of emotions that come with this news but if there is one word, it would be heartbroken,” she said. “Heartbroken for the loss of a friend. Heartbroken for the loss of a wonderful husband to Erika and two beautiful children. Heartbroken that such a bright light was taken. Your work will continue. We will make sure of that. Rest in peace my friend.”

Even critics of Kirk condemned violence against the conservative leader.

“The scourge of gun and political violence in this nation is a moral and political failure. I hope that Charlie Kirk and all the students are okay,” posted U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, an Orlando Democrat. “This is nothing short of horrific. Charlie Kirk, UVU students, and every single person deserves to be safe from gun violence no matter where they are in our country or what their political beliefs are.”

Other political leaders quickly weighed in as well.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted: “Jeanette and I are devastated. Charlie Kirk’s commitment to America’s future generations and sense of patriotism will resonate for decades to come. May the Lord bless Charlie and his family.”

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, a Plant CIty Republican, posted: “A tragedy for civility. A tragedy for free speech. A tragedy for our country. May God bless Charlie Kirk, his family, and all who gathered to engage in dialogue regarding our great American Experiment. Please join me in praying for his family.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis posted: “Rest in Peace, Charlie Kirk. Casey and I are praying for his family. Charlie was a warrior for liberty, and his murder is a tragedy for our nation.”

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican, posted: “Heartbreaking. My heart goes out to Charlie’s wife, their young kids and everyone hurting from this tragedy. Charlie was a leader who engaged in politics the right way: face-to-face with those he disagreed with. Let his legacy stand strong against those who resort to violence.”

U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican, posted: “Charlie Kirk, an American patriot who has dedicated his life to sharing with the world one of America’s key pillars of democracy — freedom of speech — has been murdered in an act of pure evil and political violence. I am gutted and horrified. Political violence has NO place in our country. I hope those responsible are found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. My deepest condolences are with Charlie’s wife, Erika, and his two children.”

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican, posted: “Charlie Kirk was not only an American political legend, but I am honored to have been able to call him my friend. He believed in the greatness of America, he believed in the power of conversation, and he fought to make our country a better place. Charlie, we will never forget you, we will carry on your legacy, and your impact will be felt for generations to come. God bless the Kirk family, and may Charlie rest in peace.”

U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, a Panama City Republican, posted: “Charlie Kirk inspired an entire generation of young people to love their country. He was also a dedicated father and husband. Please join Leah and I in extending our deepest condolences to his family.”

U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, an Atlantic Coast Republican, posted: “Charlie Kirk gave his life while engaged in that most basic American activity — political debate. And someone killed him for doing it. My heart is broken for Charlie, his family, and for the country that he loved that will never be the same. The rubicon has been crossed. G-d help us all.”

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat, posted: “Political violence is never the answer and has no place in our country.”

U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez, a Miami-Dade Republican, posted: “Charlie Kirk was murdered in one of the most heinous, targeted acts of political violence — ever. Lourdes and I are praying that all those responsible are held to account. Charlie made a gigantic impact on our country and we join his young family during this time of grieving. Political violence has no place in our country. This attack on conservative leader Charlie Kirk is utterly reprehensible. From the federal Congress, we denounce this barbarity and pray that the culprits are found and prosecuted as soon as possible.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, an Indian Beach Harbour Republican posted: “Charlie Kirk was one of the strongest voices in America for moral clarity and truth. His life’s work was devoted to opening minds, inspiring young people to love this country, and defending the principles of life, liberty, and opportunity. Because of his courage and conviction, an entire generation was awakened, and his influence will echo for decades to come. His mission was always about bridging divides. He believed in persuasion over intimidation, in speech over violence, in honest debate as the way to resolve differences between Americans. That message is needed now more than ever. But beyond his public work, Charlie was a devoted husband and a loving father to two young children. No family should ever have to endure such heartbreak. This despicable act of political violence that claimed his life is horrific. Evil like this has no place in America. Stephanie and I are praying for his wife, his children, and all who knew and loved him.”

U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee, a Thonotosassa Republican, posted: “I am sickened and incredibly sad to learn that Charlie Kirk has died. He was an incredible influence and a great patriot. Heartbreaking that his life was taken. Please join me in keeping his family in your prayers as they navigate this unfathomable tragedy.”

U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican, posted: “Charlie Kirk died a hero. He was a true warrior, assassinated for his ideas and for fighting for what he believed in. We didn’t agree on everything, but in America no one should ever be targeted for their beliefs. He spent his life teaching young people on campuses, daring them to be different, to be rebels through conservatism. We will never forget his legacy, and we will never let violence silence us, or prevail. Rest in peace, Charlie. May your soul find eternal peace.”

U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, posted: “Charlie Kirk was a light in times of darkness and uncertainty, and his courage and faith left a lasting mark on so many. My heart breaks for Erika and his family as they mourn the loss of a husband, father, and son. I pray the Lord surrounds them with peace and comfort in this time of grief. We can honor Charlie’s memory by living with the same conviction he showed, refusing to cower before evil, speaking truth with courage, and standing firm in our faith.”

U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, a Clermont Republican, released a statement: “Sandy and I are mourning the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. Our prayers are with his family, his children, loved ones, and all who grieve this heartbreaking loss. Charlie was a patriot, who loved his country and devoted his life to engaging in good faith civil discourse with Americans around the country. He shared his love and commitment to his savior, Jesus Christ as he sought to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds, including those who disagreed with him. . His platform spoke to countless students at college campuses, helping many young Americans participate in our political process. This act of violence is not only an attack on Charlie, but an assault on the principles of free expression and civil discourse that define our country. Violence has no place in our political discourse. I pray also for healing for our country and that each of us would seek to serve others, not ourselves. Unkindness and hatred cannot coexist with a focus on serving others. May God comfort Charlie’s family and may his memory strengthen our resolve to defend the principles for which he stood.”

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins posted: “Today, we grieve the brutal and senseless loss of Charlie Kirk, a husband, father, and fearless advocate whose voice stirred conviction and courage in millions. Shot while speaking to students at Utah Valley University, Charlie’s death is not only a tragedy— it is a chilling reminder of the growing intolerance toward free speech and civil discourse. This was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on American principles. No matter your politics, no one should ever fear for their life while sharing ideas. We must reject violence in every form and demand accountability, justice, and a return to decency. Charlie Kirk stood firm in his beliefs, even when unpopular. He challenged and inspired. His legacy will not be erased by a bullet, it will echo in every young voice he empowered, every conversation he sparked, and every life he touched. To Erika and their children— our hearts are with you. May you find strength in the love that surrounds you and peace in the legacy Charlie leaves behind. We will not forget. We will not be silent.”

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier posted: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.”

Before news of his death arrived, many posted prayers.

U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, a Gainesville Republican, posted: “Lifting up Charlie Kirk and his family in prayer — for healing, strength, and justice.”

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, posted: “Political violence has no place in the United States. These senseless attacks are wrong, no matter your political party.   I am thinking of Charlie Kirk and his family during this time.”

U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, posted: “We pray for Charlie Kirk, his wife and their family as we await updates on his condition.”

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, a Stuart Republican, posted: “Pray for Charlie Kirk. Political Violence has no place in America.”

U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican, posted: “My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family after the horrific news. We are monitoring closely and our office staying in prayer.”

U.S, Rep. Jimmy Patronis, a Fort Walton Beach Republican, posted: “My hope is the same angel that protected President (Donald) Trump was with Charlie too. Everyone pray for Charlie Kirk.”

U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Jacksonville Republican, posted: “What a senseless and horrible act. I am praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.”

U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat, posted: “I condemn all political violence including this heinous shooting. We pray for Charlie Kirk’s recovery and for his family during this terrible time.”

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia posted: “Charlie Kirk is a remarkable and genuine voice for the conservative movement. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family after this senseless shooting.”

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson posted: “Praying for Charlie and his family.”

State Sen. Jason Brodeur, a Sanford Republican, posted: “We are all shocked by the horrific attack on Charlie Kirk. Praying for him and his family.”

State Sen. Danny Burgess, a Zephyrhills Republican, posted: “This is a human being — a young father and husband. Charlie challenged us to engage in civil discourse, not violence. Everyone’s hearts should be broken right now for this beautiful family.”

State Sen. Nick DiCeglie, a Pinellas Republican, posted: “Our heartfelt prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family. This is senseless.”

State Sen. Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican and Republican National Committee Chair, posted: “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk.”

State Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Miami Gardens Democrat, posted: “What happened to Charlie Kirk is not ok. Political violence is never the answer. We can fight hard on the issues without threatening people’s lives.”

State Sen. Debbie Mayfield, an Indialantic Republican, posted: “Please join me in praying for Charlie and his family.”

State Sen. Jay Trumbull, a Panama City Republican, posted: “Today, I join millions in prayer for Charlie Kirk, his family, and our country. Prayer is powerful — but so too is our duty to preserve a nation where debate is embraced and violence is never tolerated.”

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a Republican and past presidential candidate, posted: “Our city is praying for Charlie Kirk, and I call on every American to do the same. We cannot allow politics to lead us to violence. This is not America.”

Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican, posted: “Praying for Charlie Kirk with all I have.”

The Florida Democratic Party posted: “We are deeply disturbed by the news of the attack on Charlie Kirk. Violence has NO place in our politics. We are keeping him and his loved ones in our prayers.”

The Republican Party of Florida posted: “A tragic day in America. Our prayers are with Charlie Kirk, his family, and Turning Point USA. Charlie has inspired millions of young minds, spreading truth and building the largest conservative movement of our time. This violence, fueled by the Left’s dangerous rhetoric, must end.”