Minnesota elected officials from across the political spectrum are condemning Wednesday’s assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was shot in Utah during the first stop of a speaking tour of college campuses — a tour which had included planned events at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities later this month.
Reacting on social media following the shooting, Republican Minnesota U.S. Reps. Brad Finstad and Michelle Fischbach shared photos of themselves standing alongside Kirk.
Kirk “had the vision to lift up students in conservative values. Now he needs us to lift him up in prayer,” Fischbach wrote on X.
Finstad wrote that he was “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.”
Minnesota Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his family also issued a statement, offering prayers for the Kirk family and saying that “America is broken, and political violence endangers our lives and democracy.”
Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot and wounded at their home in June. The accused gunman is also charged with fatally shooting former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, the same night.
The Hoffmans’ statement following the assassination of Kirk called on leaders of both major political parties to tone down rhetoric, call out violent dialogue, and “take immediate action to prevent gun violence.”
Other Minnesota elected officials also shared statements following the shooting:
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz
“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.”
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar
“Heartbreaking news. My prayers are with Charlie Kirk’s family, his loved ones, and everyone impacted by this horrific act of violence.”
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith
“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.”
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig
Political Violence has no place in our country. This is a horrific attack. I am praying for Charlie Kirk, his loved ones and for the safety of all those in attendance.
U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer
“This type of political violence cannot continue. We all need to pray for @charliekirk11,” Emmer said on X.
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum
“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.”
U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison
“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.”
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar
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.
U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber
“I join millions of Americans in grieving the loss of Charlie Kirk and my heart goes out to his family. Charlie was a husband, father, and proud American who inspired so many to get involved in politics and speak out for what they believe in. Every American should be outraged”
