Massachusetts leaders react to assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

The deadly shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday at Utah Valley University sparked strong reactions from officials across the country.

Republicans and Democrats are underscoring the hostility that political public figures are currently facing.

Kirk was not an elected official but had an influential following and close relationships with President Donald Trump and other top Republican leaders.

Cell phone videos show the 31-year-old speaking into a microphone when a single shot rang out at the college event on Wednesday.

“I was praying and hoping he would get through it. I know him,” said Massachusetts Republican National Committeewoman Janet Fogarty. “I can’t believe it. It’s devastating.”

Fogarty knew Kirk through his involvement with the RNC.

She said she was impressed by his ability to energize young conservatives ever since launching his organization Turning Point USA in 2012.

“He certainly had a large following here in Massachusetts, and many have traveled to wherever he was speaking,” she told Boston 25 News. “He listened to everyone’s viewpoints.”

Governor Maura Healey said the growth of political violence in the country must be stopped:

MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale said the chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party reached out to her to offer condolences on Kirk’s death.

She believes that’s telling on where political leaders across the board stand in Massachusetts.

The MassGOP is devastated to learn that Charlie Kirk has died. Through his work engaging young people, Charlie had the pulse of college campuses like no one else. His aim was to bring thoughtful and civilized discussions to our young people. Tonight and forever he will be missed.

Steve Kerrigan, Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, said in part:

"Our hearts go out to the family of Charlie Kirk. We are deeply saddened and horrified by his murder. This political violence must be condemned in all forms. Regardless of political party or ideologies we must be able to come together to address our differences peacefully. We join with leaders and voices from across the political spectrum in stating unequivocally that acts of violence have no place in our politics ever."

Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke with reporters hours after the deadly shooting.

“We cannot be a country that turns to violence when we disagree with people,” said Warren.

She was asked, “What do you say to people who are saying the Democrats need to lower the temperature?”

“Oh please. Why don’t you start with the President of the United States, right?,” Sen. Warren responded. “And every ugly meme he has posted, and every ugly word.”

Senator Ed Markey shared similar sentiments:

President Trump and Donald Trump Jr. both expressed sympathies:

Former President’s Joe Biden and Barack Obama condemned the killing, and expressed prayers for the Kirk family:

The co-founder and CEO of the youth organization Turning Point USA, the 31-year-old Kirk is the latest victim in a spasm of political violence across the United States.

Videos posted to social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” A single shot rings out and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away.

The suspect is still at large.on

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