CHEYENNE – Wyoming officials expressed shock, disbelief and opposition to political violence, regardless of its source, in reaction to Wednesday’s shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a rally on a Utah college campus.
In a prepared statement, Gov. Mark Gordon condemned what his Utah counterpart, Gov. Spencer Cox, called a “political assassination.”
“I and all of Wyoming condemn today’s tragic killing of Charlie Kirk,” Gordon said. “Mr. Kirk leaves behind a wife and two beautiful children.
“Our country’s greatness is founded in the rights guaranteed to us in the Constitution. As citizens, we must take this moment to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our ability to speak openly on our views without fear. Political violence must never be tolerated. We, as a nation, are diminished because of this senseless act.”
State Senate President Bo Biteman, R-Ranchester, echoed those sentiments, writing about his friend and founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA, “I’ve known Charlie since before his rise to prominence – a salt-of-the-earth man with a beautiful family, driven by an unwavering commitment to his beliefs.
“This act of political violence is a wound to our nation, and we must stand united against such hatred. Let us honor Charlie’s memory by fostering respectful dialogue over division, and peace over violence.”
Kirk visited the University of Wyoming on April 24 as a packed College of Arts and Sciences Auditorium welcomed him for his The American Comeback Tour in Laramie, drawing a sold-out crowd of more than 1,800 students and community members.
In a post on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) shortly before the UW event, Kirk wrote: “Thousands of students lined up for hours ahead of our event tonight at the University of Wyoming, my first ever visit to Laramie. Let’s go, Wyoming!!”
Kirk’s rally in Laramie marked the then-sixth stop on a nationwide spring tour initiated to counter what he described as leftist ideologies infiltrating American campuses.
In reaction to the news of Kirk’s violent death on the campus of Utah Valley University, UW President Ed Seidel issued a statement that read, in part, “We join people everywhere in expressing disgust, outrage and sadness at this apparent politically motivated attack. And we join many in sharing our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and supporters.
“In the midst of this tragedy, it is important that we reaffirm the right of all to express their views freely, especially on college campuses, as Mr. Kirk did recently at UW. Political violence is never warranted, and we reaffirm our commitment to freedom of expression and respectful discourse on our campus – and the institutional neutrality that is needed to support it.”
Seidel went on to list several resources available to those in the UW community who were emotionally impacted by the news, including the Employee Assistance Program, the University Counseling Center, the UW Psychology Center and Wellspring Counseling Clinic.
“Let’s come together to support and protect our community in the face of such a terrible event not far from our state’s border,” Seidel said.
Members of Wyoming’s congressional delegation also reacted to the news of Kirk’s death.
Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., said on X: “I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of Charlie Kirk. His passion for empowering America’s youth and commitment to his ideals were unmistakable. Please join me in praying for his beautiful family and loved ones during this unimaginably dark time.”
And in a prepared statement, Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., said, “Today’s assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah is sickening and horrific. Charlie Kirk was a young leader, a husband, a father, and someone who had visited the University of Wyoming earlier this year to talk and engage with our students about the future of our country. Political violence is completely unacceptable. The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I hope you will join me in praying for Charlie’s wife, young kids, family, and friends. John 13:34.”
Political party leaders in the Cowboy State weighed in, as well, with Wyoming GOP Executive Director Kathy Russell calling Kirk “a kind and determined Conservative culture warrior, with a talent that was unmatched is bringing young people together in our conservative movement.”
“Charlie directly addressed Wyoming Republicans at our 2020 State Convention, encouraging us to stand and speak our values every day, turning hearts and minds back to our American foundations of faith, family and loyalty to our country and our countrymen,” Russell wrote. “We can honor his legacy by matching his example of civil discourse and constant vigilance in the defense of our nation’s highest ideals. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Erika, their two children and their families.”
In their own news release sent out by party communications director Mandy Weaver, Wyoming Democrats condemned political violence, saying, “Today, Charlie Kirk is the latest victim in the all too common tragedy of gun violence in America. There are no words strong enough to condemn this appalling act of political violence. As Democrats, we reject violence in any form, against anyone, anywhere. We cherish our democracy, and it requires the ability to engage in spirited debate and civic participation, free from intimidation and bloodshed.”
In the same release, Wyoming Democratic Party Chairman Lucas Fralick said, “Any form of violence is an abhorrent stain on our practice of democracy. America was and is built on the idea that we are free to express our positions on policy and politics, without fear of violence. What happened today in Utah is a clear and present danger to our democracy.”
Other comments from Wyoming leaders sent out Wednesday included:
Wyoming Speaker of the House Chip Neiman, R-Hulett: “Today, my heart is filled with incredible sorrow by the horrific and senseless murder of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was killed while expressing his right as an American to engage in political discourse on an American college campus. Charlie has touched the lives of countless individuals, including many right here in Wyoming. No one in this country should be terrorized for exercising their inalienable right to engage in public dialogue. Let us vow as a state and Nation to honor the memory of Charlie and those lost before him, by turning this tide and ending the all-too-common occurrences of political violence by focusing on only debating ideas, and not resorting to personal attacks. We pray for his family in this tragic time of loss.”
Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder: “I’m shaken and heartbroken to hear about Charlie Kirk. He leaves an incredible legacy advocating for free thought and speech on America’s college campuses. No one in America should fear for their life for exercising free speech. Bryan and I are praying for Charlie, for his young family, and for everyone who witnessed this horror. We must be better than this. If we lose the ability to disagree without bloodshed, we risk losing America itself.”
Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray: “Charlie Kirk was a courageous champion of liberty who stood for the truth. Charlie inspired a generation of young Americans, and his work and legacy will never be forgotten. We must carry on Charlie’s work of defending and articulating America’s values and the Make America Great Again movement. We will not be silenced. Let us unite in praying Charlie Kirk, his wife and children, and all his loved ones.”
Laramie Boomerang Managing Editor David Watson contributed to this report.