Leaders across Texas have voiced their concerns after Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative political activist, was shot in the neck while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.
The shooting happened early Wednesday afternoon, as Kirk was speaking to a crowd with a microphone under a tent.
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Several hours after the shooting, Kirk was pronounced dead.
President Donald Trump reported Kirk’s death on TRUTH Social:
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
President Trump also ordered American flags to be lowered to half-mast in response.
SEE ALSO: President Trump orders American flags to be lowered to half-mast in response to murder of Charlie Kirk
Here are the reactions from Texas political leaders:
Gov. Greg Abbott
Cecilia and I are praying for Charlie Kirk and for God’s healing hand to be upon him.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 10, 2025
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick sent the following statement to 2 Investigates:
“Charlie was a dear friend for many years, and I am heartbroken and in disbelief over his murder. Please keep his wife, his two young children, and all of his loved ones in your prayers. This photo of Charlie in Texas a few years ago is a reminder of his energy, passion, and friendship.
The outright hate against conservatives in this country by many in the political opposition and many in the mainstream media must stop now.
May God bless Charlie Kirk and his family.”
Former U.S. President George W. Bush
Sen. Ted Cruz
Our prayers are with Charlie Kirk.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 10, 2025
This is horrific. I am stunned.@charliekirk11 is a good friend—we’ve been friends since he was a teenager—and a courageous leader.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 10, 2025
Heidi & I are praying for Charlie right now. May God’s healing hand be upon him. https://t.co/yAVTgpTEry
Sen. John Cornyn
Praying for Charlie. Just horrific.
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) September 10, 2025
Charlie Kirk shot at Utah event, suspect in custody – Deseret News https://t.co/lJOXkjfN8o
Sandy and I join the entire nation in lifting Charlie Kirk’s family up in prayer.
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) September 10, 2025
May God comfort them during this unimaginably difficult time. https://t.co/KE3YcrTBHO
Attorney General Ken Paxton
Truly unimaginable. Praying for Charlie Kirk right now.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) September 10, 2025
This act of pure evil is truly sickening. Charlie was an American patriot, a friend, and a faithful husband and father. Join me in praying for Charlie's family and friends at this time. Words can not express how horrific this is to all of us.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) September 10, 2025
This act of pure evil is truly sickening. Charlie was an American patriot, a friend, and a faithful husband and father. Join me in praying for Charlie's family and friends at this time. Words can not express how horrific this is to all of us.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) September 10, 2025
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
I am gutted to learn about the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah. I’ve lived in countries where people could be killed for speaking their minds, and it breaks my heart to see that happen here in the United States. I hope this tragedy marks a turn toward dialogue instead of…
— Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) September 10, 2025
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez
Reports suggest Charlie Kirk was shot at Utah event, hospitalized. Details still emerging. We must all stand together to condemn political violence in every form. There is no place for this in America.
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) September 10, 2025
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows
Harris County GOP
We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk. A devoted Christian, husband, and father, his life was taken far too soon.
— Harris County GOP (@HarrisCountyRP) September 10, 2025
This was not just an attack on one man, but on free speech itself. Violence has no place in America.
Our prayers are with Erika, their children, and…