Founder and executive director of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk speaks at the opening of the Turning Point Action conference on July 15, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The shooting and death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk compelled condemnations of political violence from members of Michigan’s congressional delegation, on both sides of the aisle, as well as state officials and candidates for office in 2026.
Each spoke out against recent politically-motivated attacks throughout the nation, with many also offering their support to Kirk’s family.
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Kirk’s suspected killer remains at large and the manhunt continued on Thursday, with law enforcement announcing that they may have found the murder weapon – a high-powered, bolt-action rifle – in a wooded area where the shooter had fled. The FBI in Salt Lake City released two photos of a potential person of interest and asked for tips in helping apprehend the person.
After the shooting on Wednesday afternoon, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shared on social media that she was thinking of Kirk, his family and members of the community at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was killed.
Before news of Kirk’s death, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) offered prayers for Kirk, his family and the students at Utah Valley University, emphasizing that political violence “has no place in our democracy.”
U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) shared an article about Kirk’s death and stated “Political violence should be condemned by all decent people, no matter what your political leanings might be.”
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) also called for a stoppage in American political violence, calling it “wrong, anywhere, at any time, no matter what.
“This is horrifying. It’s tearing our country apart,” Dingell said.
U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) said in a social media post that “the political violence in this country has got to stop.”
In the same vein, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham), who is running for U.S. Senate, said: “We all can have political disagreements, but violence is horrific and unacceptable.”
Calls for prayers, support for Kirk’s family abound
Following news of Kirk’s passing, several Michigan Republicans offered words in memorial of the 31-year old Turning Point USA founder.
U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet) said Kirk “articulated conservative views to younger generations clearer than anyone.”
“Solving political differences through violence has no place in our Nation, and these instances are becoming far too frequent. We must do better,” Bergman said. “Those of us who value free speech and conservative values vow to carry Charlie’s torch and pass it on for generations to come.”
Utah and federal law enforcement have yet to identify the shooter and their motive, but U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) said Kirk was martyred for his Christian conservative values.
“Charlie was faithful even unto death – obedient to his convictions, bold in his witness, and steadfast in proclaiming the truth,” James said in a post to social media.
Michigan leaders warn of normalizing political violence
Alongside the state’s congressional delegation, several other Michigan leaders and candidates for office shared their thoughts on Kirk’s death.
In a statement, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist said Wednesday’s shooting is another reminder that gun violence and politically-motivated violence, cannot be tolerated.
No matter who you voted for, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said there is no justification of violence of any kind.
Michigan Republican Party Chair and State Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) said he and his wife were devastated to hear of Kirk’s death, praising his work with conservative student activists on college campuses.
“The wave of political violence gripping our nation is un-American, and unpatriotic,” Runestad said. “No American should fear for their life because of their faith or their political views. I hope everyone in Michigan will join me in continuing to pray for Charlie’s family and the profound impact he had on our nation.”
Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township) issued a statement mourning Kirk’s death.
“Charlie always emphasized that the minute we stop having discourse, the second we stop sharing ideas with each other, despite our differences, is when we will devolve into violence,” Nesbitt said.
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), who is also running for U.S. Senate, said, “Even if we virulently disagree, we stand for free speech, and nowhere should free debate be more encouraged or protected than college campuses.”
Former Wayne County Health Director and Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed said that Kirk was practicing his right to free speech when he was shot.
“Whatever our differences, we handle political disagreements with words and not violence in this country,” El-Sayed wrote in a post to social media. “That is the essence of what democracy is about.”
College political groups unify to condemn Kirk’s killing
Michigan College Democrats and Michigan College Republicans also issued a joint statement condemning the shooting.
“Violence in any form has no space on our college campuses, end of story,” said Stella Camerlengo, president of the Michigan College Democrats. “As a generation, we have seen political violence plague Michigan and states across the country far too often. While our organizations may disagree on a lot, we can both come together to say that we vehemently refuse to accept a future where violence substitutes for dialogue.”
The two groups pointed to Wednesday’s shooting as a symptom of growing polarization in American politics, calling for disagreements to be sorted through loving, rational and good-faith debate.
“Terrorism has no place in American politics no matter what despicable way it manifests, and we will not be swayed.,” said Tyler Campbell, chair of the Michigan College Republicans. “We call all in our generation to sincerely learn from this tragedy, that we may preserve a united America.”