Minnesota mourners hold vigil as politicians condemn violence in wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination

Several Minnesota politicians and mourners memorialized conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, as news of his assassination at a college event in Utah shocked the nation.

Kirk, the co-founder and chief executive of the youth organization Turning Point USA, was a close ally of President Donald Trump. Kirk was slated to speak in Minneapolis later this month as part of his “American Comeback” tour.

The attack comes nearly three months after the politically motivated assassination of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their Brooklyn Park home and the shooting of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in Champlin on the same night.

A vigil in honor of Kirk was held at the Minnesota Capitol building in St. Paul on Wednesday night.

On the steps of the Capitol building, about 75 people gathered to memorialize Kirk, holding candles, Bibles and American flags.

Many attendees, who took turns speaking, said they had met Kirk and were inspired by him. They said he helped shape their conservative values and made them feel confident enough to assert them publicly.

At least three people said they set up their own Turning Point chapters at their high school or college campuses. GOP state Rep. Elliott Engen, who represents parts of Anoka and Ramsey counties, said “the only reason I’m here today is because of Charlie Kirk’s work.”

“Charlie Kirk inspired an entire generation,” he said. “He gave them hope, he gave them courage. ... His life is worth celebrating, even in times of tragedy.”

Here’s what other local officials have said about the shooting.

“An open forum for political dialogue and disagreement was upended by a horrific act of targeted violence. In America, we don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint. I’m praying for Charlie, his family, and his young children.”

“We are devastated by this news. May Charlie rest in peace. Our prayers are with his wife and two children.”

“America is broken, and political violence endangers our lives and democracy. The assassination of Charlie Kirk today is only the latest act that our country cannot continue to accept. Our leaders of both parties must not only tone down their own rhetoric, but they must begin to call out extreme, aggressive and violent dialog that foments these attacks on our republic and freedom. We also call on leaders of both parties to take immediate action to prevent gun violence. Our prayers are with the Kirk family, our state and our country.”

“Horrific. We all need to condemn these acts of political violence that are becoming far too commonplace in this country. We can’t continue like this.”

“.@charliekirk11 had the vision to lift up students in conservative values. Now he needs us to lift him up in prayer."

“Horrified by the shooting at Utah Valley University today. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk, his family, and all of the students on campus. Political violence must have no place in our country.”

“Shocked by the horrific attack on Charlie Kirk. Political violence of this nature has no place in our country. I am praying for Charlie and his family.”

“Political violence is absolutely unacceptable and indefensible. Unconscionable acts of violence should have no place in our country. Let’s pray for no more lives being lost to gun violence.”

“This attack is a tragedy and the perpetrator should be held accountable to the highest extent of the law. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk’s loved ones and all those in the Utah Valley University community. We must come together as a nation and condemn any and all political violence. It is going to take all of us to begin to change the tone of our political discourse and bring civility back to our nation.”

“I am disgusted and horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk that took place this afternoon in Utah. We must unite as a nation to condemn this and all political violence. Americans must come together to stop the epidemic of gun violence in the United States.”

“I’m horrified by the news coming out of Utah about the attack on Charlie Kirk. Political violence has no place in our country. Not now, and not ever. Praying for him and his family.”

“Charlie Kirk was a husband, father, and fearless patriot who dedicated his life to advancing conservative values and inspiring young Americans to stand for freedom. His passing is a devastating loss for our movement and for our country.

The horrific violence at Utah Valley University that took Charlie’s life is shocking and unacceptable. On behalf of Republicans across Minnesota, we extend our deepest prayers and condolences to his wife, children, loved ones, and the countless supporters he impacted.

“Violence does not and will never have any place in our politics. This attack on Charlie Kirk is reprehensible. We are praying for him and his family.”

“We are horrified to see what appears to be another act of political violence, which has no place in our democracy. On the same day, in Colorado, there was yet another school shooting. We in power have got to do everything we can to bring about an end to the epidemic of gun violence in our nation.”

“I’m so saddened to hear that Charlie Kirk was murdered today while participating in the best of American democracy- civic engagement and free speech. He was dedicated to lifting up American values and freedom, and I am praying for his wife and young family.”