Iowa political leaders condemn political violence, offer prayers for slain GOP activist

Iowa political leaders from across the spectrum offered prayers and condemned political violence after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot Wednesday while speaking at a college campus in Utah.

Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, died after being shot at an event he was hosting at Utah Valley University.

The 31-year-old is the latest victim in a spasm of political violence across the United States.

Kirk was a close ally of President Donald Trump, who announced Kirk’s death in a Truth Social post.

Gov. Kim Reynolds: “It is with heavy hearts that Kevin and I share our deepest condolences with the family of Charlie Kirk,” Reynolds wrote in social media post. “Charlie was beloved by many for standing up for conservative values and inviting constructive debate and dialogue among young Americans. Political violence has no place in this country.”

Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer: “Praying for Charlie Kirk and his family,” Cournoyer wrote on social media. “Political violence has no place in our country.”

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst: “Political violence has no place in our country. I’m heartbroken to see a young father taken from his family far too soon. This never should have happened. May Charlie Kirk rest in peace,” Ernst wrote on social media.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley: “Pls join me in praying for Charlie Kirk,” Grassley wrote on social media.

U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks: “Today, a loving wife lost her husband, two beautiful children lost a loving father, and our country lost one of its strongest voices,” Miller-Meeks wrote on social media.

Miller-Meeks called Kirk a “patriot who loved his country and led with dignity and faith.”

“This attack is heartbreaking and political violence is unacceptable,” she said in her post. “We grieve with his family, his friends, and all who looked to him for leadership and truth. May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his legacy by rejecting hate and recommitting ourselves to civility and peace.”

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson: “After today’s horrific shooting, I was praying for a miracle and am heartbroken that Charlie Kirk has passed away,” Hinson wrote on social media. “Charlie was passionate & charismatic, dedicating his life to engaging with young people. I am devastated for his wife, Erika, and two children, and will be keeping them in my prayers & close to my heart as they grieve. There is no place for political violence in America. This has to stop — now.”

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn: “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk, his family, and the students gathered in Utah Valley,” Nunn posted online. “Political violence has no place in America.”

He later posted that Kirk’s death is “an assassination of America’s First Amendment Rights.”

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra: “May Charlie Kirk rest in peace and may God comfort his family and loved ones,” Feenstra wrote on social media.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird: “My heart breaks for Erika Kirk and her children,” Bird wrote on social media. “Please join me and Bob in prayer for Charlie’s family and our country.”

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann: “I ask everyone to join me in praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and everyone affected by his passing,” Kaufmann said in a statement. “Political violence has no place in our country — ever. In America, we settle our differences at the ballot box, not through threats or violence. It’s time to lower the temperature and come together as Americans to unequivocally condemn any and all forms of political violence.”

Iowa Democratic Party: “The news coming out of Utah that Charlie Kirk was shot while at a college event is appalling,” the state party wrote on social media. “Political violence has no place in our country.”

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand: “Whether it was the assassinations in Minnesota earlier this summer or the shooting today, I’m disgusted by the escalation of political violence across our country,” Sand posted on social media. “This cannot be the new norm. We must come together to reform the broken political system that has brought us here.”

Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Andrews: “Charlie Kirk was a champion of free speech, a person who welcomed public discourse, especially with those with whom he disagreed,” Andrews posted on social media. “... Please join myself, and the nation, in prayer for his family and children.”

Republican gubernatorial candidate Brad Sherman: “We continue in a state of disbelief and disgust at the despicable act that took his life. Charlie was a patriot and powerful voice for Jesus Christ, who is the only real answer for evil in this world,” Sherman said in a statement posted to social media.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jim Carlin: "Media reports indicate Charlie Kirk was shot this afternoon at an event at Utah Valley University. Please join me and Donna in praying for Charlie and his family during this time," Carlin wrote on social media.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls: “Praying for Charlie Kirk and his family,” Wahls posted online. “Political violence has no place in our country — it is wrong, dangerous, and must be condemned without hesitation.”

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek: “My prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family,” Turek wrote on social media. “I denounce political violence in all forms ― violence is never acceptable in our political system.”

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jackie Norris: “Political violence is never the answer, and we must condemn disgusting acts like these in the strongest terms,” Norris posted online. “My prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family.”

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Nathan Sage: “The news coming out of Utah is absolutely horrible,” Sage wrote on social media. “Political violence is a cowardly act. Regardless of our differences, no one should ever be attacked for their beliefs. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family right now.”

Republican 2nd District congressional candidate Joe Mitchell: “RIP my friend. We will never forget you or what you fought for. We still fight for it,” Mitchell wrote on social media.

Republican 2nd District congressional candidate Charlie McClintock: “Horrific news coming out of Utah. Please join me and my wife in praying for Charlie Kirk’s health and for his family,” McClintock posted online.

Democratic 2nd District congressional candidate Lindsay James: “Political violence is a vicious circle that destroys us all, and has no place in our country,” James posted online. “Hearing the news of Charlie Kirk’s passing is heartbreaking. Sending prayer for the Kirk family and for our country as we grieve under yet another devastating act of violence.”

Comments: (319) 398-8499; tom.barton@thegazette.com