Oklahoma leaders condemn political violence after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in Utah

Oklahoma lawmakers, state officials and university organizations are condemning political violence after conservative influencer Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Sept. 10.

The 31-year-old’s death was confirmed by President Donald Trump on Truth Social after Kirk was shot at the university. The president ordered all U.S. flags in the country to be lowered to half-mast until Sunday evening.

More: Who is Charlie Kirk? Political commentator shot in Utah

Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt shared a photo of himself and Kirk on social media, saying, “The world will be a darker place without him here.”

Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond, who’s running for the Republican bid for governor, said he’s devastated for Kirk’s family and prays for their comfort.

“Politically motivated violence has become a deadly epidemic in this country,” Drummond added. “There is never justification to extinguish a life over political disagreements.”

U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, Oklahoma’s Republican junior senator, said Kirk was a “true friend, a fearless patriot and a loving husband and father.”

Kirk spoke at the Oklahoma State University’s campus in April during his “The American Comeback” tour, which hosted free events across the nation.

In a statement before Kirk was confirmed to have died, the Oklahoma Federation of College Republicans said the organization has immediately taken measures to enhance the security of its events across the state.

“The incident serves as a stark reminder of the divisive and often hostile environment in which we operate,” the organization said. “We must come together as a community to end the culture of death and hatred that has plagued our nation.”

Former Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, a Republican gubernatorial candidate from Atoka, said Kirk was “a steadfast conservative voice and tireless advocate for American values.”

“He had an incredible impact on the rising generation of voters, inspiring young Americans to stand strong for faith, family, freedom, and the principles that make our nation great,” McCall, who’s running for governor, said on social media. “Our prayers are with his family, friends, and all who were impacted by his service. We will honor his legacy by continuing the fight for the values we hold dear.”

Oklahoma Congressman Josh Brecheen, a Republican, said he prays “hearts in our nation would be stirred to repentance over hatred towards others.”

Congressman Kevin Hern, who also represents Oklahoma in the U.S. House, said on social media Kirk had “played an important role in recruiting young voters to the conservative movement.”

“Political violence is meant to silence the voice and will of the people,” said Hern, a Republican. “Rest assured, anyone who has heard of Charlie Kirk knows that the movement he inspired will never let the evil actions of a coward stop the advancement of civility, liberty and patriotism that he helped ignite.”

Oklahoma House Minority Leader and Democratic candidate for governor Cyndi Munson said she prays for Kirk’s family and the U.S., adding, “We must do better.”

“I know for certain one does not have to agree with a person to pray for their life and their family,” Munson, a Democrat from Oklahoma City, said on social media. “I pray for Charlie Kirk’s family and send my deepest condolences. I also pray for our country. We must do better.”

Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell said on social media he met Kirk years ago, adding that he’s praying for Kirk’s wife, children and loved ones.

“He was a strong, consistent voice for what he believed in and inspired a generation of young Americans to get civically involved,” Pinnell said.