‘Act of pure evil’: Texas leaders react to murder of Charlie Kirk in Utah
Calls for prayer turned to remembrances and condemnation of political violence after it was confirmed Wednesday afternoon that conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated during an event on a college campus in Orem, Utah.
“This act of pure evil is truly sickening,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a post on X. He called the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, a youth political organization, an “American Patriot” and friend.
Kirk was speaking at an outdoors debate event at Utah Valley University as part of his “The American Comeback” tour when a single gunshot from a sniper struck him in the neck.
The FBI said an unidentified potential suspect was in custody about four hours after the killing. But in a post on X about 7 p.m. Central time, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote, “The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency.”
In March 2023, Kirk made a tour stop at TCU, put on by the campus chapter of Turning Point USA. He took the stage to raucous applause and cheering. “I’m going to make this, out of all of our campus stops and tours, the one where I actually defend Christianity the most,” Kirk said at the event, citing TCU’s history of affiliation with the Christian denomination Disciples of Christ.
Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare said “evil is real and must be dealt with swiftly and severely.”
“A 31 year old married father of 2 young children, was killed today at an event in Utah. His crime? He loved America and spoke to millions about his beliefs,” O’Hare posted on X. “This is a terribly troubling time for America. But for a young woman and her children, they will live without their husband/father for the rest of their lives.”
Tarrant County Commissioner Manny Ramirez called Kirk a “thought leader for a generation of Americans” in a text message to the Star-Telegram.
“I’m praying for his entire family and for all those who cared for him,” Ramirez said.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker posted on social media that she was heartbroken.
“It is a dark day for our country when political violence has reached this level,” Parker said. “I am so deeply heartbroken today by the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk. My prayers are with his wife, children, and loved ones who are grieving this unimaginable pain. Regardless of our views, we cannot allow hatred or division to rob families of their loved ones and communities of their leaders.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s reaction to Charlie Kirk’s death
“Cecilia and I are heartbroken by the assassination and passing of Charlie Kirk,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement to the Star-Telegram.
“Charlie’s voice was a beacon for millions of young Americans searching for truth, courage, and conviction. This senseless act of violence has no place in America. Our prayers are with Charlie’s family and his loved ones, especially the two young children he leaves behind. Texas stands with them in mourning and in honoring Charlie’s enduring legacy,” Abbott said.
Bo French, chair of the Tarrant County GOP, posted on X a photo of himself standing with Kirk.
“Charlie Kirk was famous because he engaged in civil discourse. He was savage because he had truth on his side,” French wrote. “Leftist hated him for that. But hear me now. Charlie was the moderate compared to what is coming.”
Others framed Kirk’s death as part of a broader attack on the political speech of American conservatives.
“It’s another sad day for our country where free speech is being silenced by the radical left,” said Republican State Rep. David Lowe, in a post on Facebook.
Texas Sen. Phil King of Weatherford called Kirk’s death a senseless and brutal murder. “In a world of darkness, a bright, irreplaceable light has been taken from us. His impact on America is unprecedented. Charlie possessed a rare ability to change hearts and minds of Americans, especially those on college campuses, with open conversation and civil discourse,” King said.
Former President George W. Bush said, “Today, a young man was murdered in cold blood while expressing his political views. It happened on a college campus, where the open exchange of opposing ideas should be sacrosanct. Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public square. Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens. May God bless Charlie Kirk and his family, and may God guide America toward civility.”
Here are some of the other reactions from state and local officials:
This story was originally published September 10, 2025 at 5:05 PM.
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