Connecticut political leaders are reacting with condemnation and sorrow following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was shot from a distant rooftop at the Utah Valley University campus, where he was speaking on Wednesday, authorities said. Federal, state and local authorities were working what they called “multiple active crime scenes."
Ben Proto, chair of the Connecticut Republican Party, said political violence has “no place in our society.”
“We are devastated by the heartbreaking news of Charlie Kirk’s passing. Our hearts are with his wife, his two young children, and all those who knew and loved him,” Proto said in a statement. “Political violence has no place in our society. Not now. Not ever.”
“As the Connecticut Republican Party, we stand united in our deep commitment to the values Charlie championed: faith, family, freedom, and a future built on hope,” Proto said. “May his memory be a call not to division, but to unity — not to hatred, but to courage, compassion, conviction and love of country.”
Connecticut Young Republicans and the Young Democrats of Connecticut issued a joint statement on social media condemning the killing.
"We reject all forms of political violence," the statement reads. "There is no place in our country for such acts, regardless of political disagreements."
Elected officials also denounced the shooting.
“This was a sick, disgusting, cowardly act of evil. We condemn any and all political violence," state Sen. Stephen Harding said in a statement on behalf the Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont directed flags in the state to half-staff in accordance with a proclamation from President Donald Trump. Flags will remain lowered through sunset on Sunday.
“Political violence of any kind has no place in our country and is never acceptable,” Lamont, a Democrat, said in a statement. “The tragic attack on Charlie Kirk today is absolutely awful. My prayers are with him and his family.”
U.S. Rep. John Larson, a Democrat, said Kirk’s death “is a solemn reminder of the prevalence of gun violence and is a devastating instance of political violence – something we must never accept in the United States of America. No matter our politics or disagreements, there is no place for violence. We resolve our differences at the ballot box.”
Democratic state Sen. Herron Keyon Gaston, chair of the General Assembly's Public Safety and Security Committee, said in a statement that "disagreement does not have to lead to division."
"It is possible, and necessary, to stand firm in our convictions while still respecting others," he said. "Every person, regardless of political party, ideology, race, or background, is made in the precious image of God. That truth demands that we treat one another with dignity and respect. Hate only begets more hate. But love, civility, and compassion have the power to heal and unite."
This story will be updated. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
