Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, died Wednesday after being shot at a college event, according to The Associated Press.
Nebraska republican leaders are offering early reactions, asking for thought and prayers for the Kirk family, on social media.
State Republican Party (NEGOP) Chairwoman Mary Jane Truemper shared the following statement with KLIN News:
“Charlie Kirk works tirelessly to bring truth and reason to young students on America’s campuses. He is a devout Christian and a devoted family man with a heart of gold and a generous spirit. Conservative Republicans have been holding our breath as violent, extremist rhetoric has increased dramatically followed by increasing violence including two assassination attempts on President Trump. I pray that Charlie recovers and I pray that cooler heads prevail. Violence is not a path we want to travel down.”
Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb posted on social media, “No family should endure the horror that Charlie Kirk’s wife and children now face. Political violence is happening across our country sending a terrifying message that who we are risks our lives. We pray for Charlie Kirk’s family and all victims of gun violence.”
Nebraska 1st District Congressman Mike Flood quote tweeted the announcement of Kirk’s death by President Donald Trump, saying “From the White House to college campuses, Charlie Kirk used his platform to talk about conservative principles, share his faith in Jesus, and to connect the next generation of Americans to the Republican Party… Mandi and I are praying for his wife and kids and urge all Americans to work towards bringing peace to our divided country. We must bring an end to the political violence that seems to be growing in our country.”
Don Bacon, Congressman for the state’s 2nd District, posted “I am deeply saddened by the shooting of [Charlie Kirk] while exercising his First Amendment right on a college campus. I hope the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice. Political violence has no place in America.”
Adrian Smith, Nebraska’s 3rd District Congressman, posted “Praying for Charlie Kirk and his young family.”
U.S. Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer posted, “Heartbreaking news today. We should be able to disagree with each other without resorting to violence. My prayers are with Charlie’s wife Erika, his two young children, and his entire family. May he rest in peace.”
Lastly for Nebraska’s Congressional delegation, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts said in a statement, “Charlie Kirk was participating in the very American act of political dialogue when he was taken from us. He was a husband, son, and father of two little children. Political violence is anti-American. It’s an attack against our very values. It’s an attack on our republic. In our great country, we settle our disagreements with ballots, not bullets. Please join me in prayer for his family as they mourn.”
Locally, Governor Jim Pillen said in a statement, ““The news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination is devastating, not only for conservatives, but for supporters of liberty and free expression everywhere. Charlie stood fearlessly, not only for his own beliefs, but for engagement and debate. Indeed, he was doing just that when he died. He inspired countless young people with his principled activism, including on campus right here in Nebraska.
Suzanne and I are deeply saddened by this act of senseless political violence, and I ask that all Nebraskans pray for God’s grace and comfort to be brought to his wife and young kids. We must condemn and end political violence in America.”
Gov. Pillen is also asking that Nebraskans follow the proclamation issued this afternoon by President Trump requesting that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff, until sunset on Sunday, Sept. 14, in memory of Kirk.
*This is a rapidly developing story. This article will be updated with more statements from Nebraska leaders