Florida Political Leaders Respond to Charlie Kirk Shooting

31-year-old political activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday while conducting a Q&A at Utah Valley University. The killing sent shock waves through America’s political atmosphere, with those across the spectrum quickly and uniformly condemning the act of political violence. Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a political nonprofit which works to promote conservative ideas on college campuses. He was a close supporter and ally of President Donald Trump. Among the thousands to voice their reactions to Kirk’s assassination were several of Florida’s most prominent political leaders. Members of both parties, both in elected office and party leadership, spoke to condemn the shooting and call for action to prevent similar violence. These quotations, sourced from the individuals’ social media, is an incomplete list of reactions from Florida politicians. Some shared their thoughts before Kirk’s death was publicly confirmed, and thus spoke with hope for his survival. Federal U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R, FL): “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.  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. Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL): “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.” U.S. Rep. Randy Fine (R, FL-6): “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. Cory Mills (R, FL-7): “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. Maxwell Frost (D, FL-10): “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.” U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R, FL-19): “[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.” State Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: “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.” Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins: “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 Democrats: “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.” Florida GOP: “Our prayers are with the Kirk family and all who loved him. We lost an American patriot to political violence, and our hearts are broken. There was nobody like Charlie, but his movement will continue, because that is exactly what he would have wanted.” Florida Senate Democrats: “The Florida Senate Democrats grieve the death of Charlie Kirk. The rise of political violence in this country is deeply distressing, and we unequivocally condemn it in all forms. Our prayers are with Charlie’s family, friends, and colleagues at this unimaginably difficult time.” Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez (R, FL-116): “Charlie Kirk didn’t just welcome debate, he used it to unite a generation and build a nationwide movement that valued civil discourse. His murder sends a shock across our nation and we join with millions of Americans in praying for his family and friends.” Florida Senate President pro tempore Jason Brodeur (R, FL-10): “We are all shocked by the horrific attack on Charlie Kirk. Praying for him and his family.” Florida Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd (R, FL-21): “America lost a patriot today. Please join me in praying for his family as we mourn the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk. There is no place for political violence in this nation.” Florida Democratic Chair Nikki Fried: “I am deeply disturbed by the murder of Charlie Kirk. Violence has NO place in our politics, and the Florida Democratic Party condemns this despicable and heinous act in the strongest of terms. I will keep Charlie’s wife, Erika, and their young children in my prayers.” Florida Republican Chair Evan Power: “I am absolutely heartbroken. [Charlie Kirk] brought conservatism to a new generation. He was willing to talk to anyone. Yet the left has tried to silence us and now they have taken it a step further. Charlie’s movement will not stop it will only grow stronger! Local Sheriff Mike Chitwood (Volusia County): “News of another horrific assassination attempt in the political arena is a heartbreaking and shocking. I know prayers seem empty at a time like this, but I can only pray that Charlie Kirk survives to go home to his young family. No matter how you feel about anyone’s opinions or political activities, we have to come together and agree that in America we settle our political differences through discourse, debate, and at the ballot box. This heinous act is another eye-opening reminder that we in law enforcement must stay alert and attuned to all potential threats as these acts of violence are not only a threat to innocent lives, but our very way of life in America. [Later]: “I know since I posted this we’ve learned he didn’t make it, and now his wife will raise their two young kids without their father. Praying for them, and for our divided country, even though it will take a lot more than prayer.”