Key Points:

• Arizona officials condemn assassination of Charlie Kirk

• Kirk, a prominent conservative activist, was shot at a Utah event

• Authorities have released images of a person of interest; no arrest has been made

Arizona’s political community condemned the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who died after he was shot while speaking at a Utah Valley University event on Sept. 10. 

Kirk, a prominent Arizona conservative activist and the leader of Phoenix-based Turning Point USA, was speaking to a large crowd of people at a debate when he was shot in the neck. He later died from his injuries at a Utah hospital. A suspect was not immediately captured. 

According to the Associated Press, investigators released two images of the suspected shooter and are appealing to the public for tips. As of Sept. 10, the unidentified suspect is believed to have jumped off a roof and fled into a neighborhood after firing one shot from a high-powered, bolt-action rifle. The weapon they believe was used in the attack has been recovered, and video recordings of the person they believe to be responsible are being reviewed.

Arizona government officials on both sides of the aisle responded after the shooting, offering condolences to Kirk’s family and condemning political violence. 

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I am saddened for Charlie’s family, friends, and Arizonans as they mourn his loss, and I am saddened for our country as our politics have descended into horrific violence,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a statement provided through her campaign. “This tragedy is not about who Charlie Kirk supported politically. It is about the devastating loss of a father, a neighbor, and an Arizonan who called this state home, and whose life was cut short by senseless violence.”

Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Queen Creek, reacted similarly in a post on X.

“I am absolutely shocked, sickened and outraged to hear about the passing of Charlie Kirk,” Petersen wrote. “Today was a dark day where evil was on full display. He was singular, indispensable and irreplaceable. America will not be the same without him.”

Kirk was a large figure in Arizona politics and TPUSA has been a driving force for the state’s Republican candidates in major elections over the past few years. Most recently, the group has thrown its weight behind U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs’ campaign in the Republican gubernatorial primary. 

“Charlie. My friend. I’m heartbroken. Rest now,” Biggs wrote in a post on X.

Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived her own assassination attempt in Tucson in 2011, and her husband, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, both condemned the attack on social media.

“Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence,” Giffords wrote on X. 

The outpouring of support continues from Arizona officials. 

Sen. Wendy Roger: “Charlie Kirk was a transformational force in America. This will be the beginning… as he looks down from Heaven on us & his family, who we must continue to love & support. I knew Charlie; he was a fighter. He died doing what he loved. He was always respectful, kind & intelligent. We will honor him & continue the fight as he would want.”

Arizona GOP Chair Gina Swoboda: “Prayers for Erika and her children as we grieve the loss of Charlie Kirk.” 

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego: “This is beyond terrible. Charlie Kirk was a husband, father, and son. Violence is never the answer. Sydney and I are keeping the Kirk family in our prayers.”

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes: “Our condolences are with Mr. Kirk’s family, his colleagues, his supporters, and all those affected by this senseless act. Let’s not retreat into silence or hatred, but rise above violence by recommitting ourselves to the democratic principles of civil engagement and mutual respect.”

U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani: “Laura and I join millions of Americans in mourning the horrific loss of Charlie Kirk. Charlie leaves behind a legacy of love of God, love of family, and love of country. He lit a fire that brought so many young Americans along with him, and his voice for conservative values echoed far beyond Arizona.”i

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton: “The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying. I’m praying hard for him, and keeping his family in my thoughts. Political violence has absolutely no place in our country.”

U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari: “Horrific gun tragedies one after another. Charlie Kirk lost his life. Not even an hour later, a school in Colorado came under fire. Communities shattered. Lives changed forever. This is not normal and this is not acceptable. We cannot keep living like this.”

Former Gov. Doug Ducey: “America was blessed that Charlie Kirk walked this earth. He inspired young people to love our country in a way I’ve never seen in my lifetime. His passion for ideas, for debate and for Free Speech was infectious. We are all in shock and devastated. We pray for his wife Erika, his children and his family. Today’s assassination was an act of terrorism. Political violence isn’t the answer — and Charlie showed us that. May God rest his soul.”

Sen. Jake Hoffman: “The world will never truly understand the magnitude of the loss it suffered today. Charlie Kirk was one of the most fearless, patriotic, loving, God-fearing, brilliant men to ever walk this earth. Few compare. Charlie we love you dearly. You’re home with our Creator now.” 

Attorney General Kris Mayes: “Political violence is never the answer. I strongly condemn the horrific act of violence against Charlie Kirk. We may not all agree in this country but our ability to freely share and discuss our political beliefs is what makes us American.”

Kirk’s casket is to be flown back to Arizona from Utah aboard Air Force Two, according to The Associated Press.