NYS leaders, SU groups offer condolences after fatal Charlie Kirk shooting
Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was killed at a Utah Valley University event yesterday. New York state leaders and Syracuse University political groups expressed their thoughts and condolences. Avery Magee | Asst. Photo Editor
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After Charlie Kirk, a Conservative political activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed Wednesday afternoon, New York state leaders and Syracuse University political student groups shared their thoughts and condolences.
While speaking at Utah Valley University as part of TPUSA’s 10-college “American Comeback Tour,” Kirk, 31 years old, was fatally shot in the neck. Kirk’s death was first confirmed by President Donald Trump on Truth Social.
Trump has since ordered all American flags to be lowered at half-mast until Sept. 14.
Gov. Kathy Hochul posted a statement on X saying she was “horrified” by the news and condemned political violence.
Similarly, New York Senator Chuck Schumer stated there is no room for political violence America in a post on X. He said he would be praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.
Elise Stefanik, representative of New York’s 21st District, spoke on the impact of Kirk’s death, saying Americans’ hearts across the country are broken and outraged after the “heinous assassination” in a Wednesday release. She described Kirk as a “vibrant, iconic, conservative titan,” saying he inspired a generation of young Americans.
“He fearlessly and boldly promoted free speech, religious liberty, and morality.” Stefanik wrote. “Such an extraordinarily impactful life, murderously cut short.”
Following Kirk’s death, SU’s chapter of College Republicans reposted a statement on its Instagram from the Chairman of the New York Federation of College Republicans, Steven Margolis.
He said Kirk’s killing is “vile and horrifying,” emphasizing that his legacy will continue through TPUSA, the statement read.
“Charlie Kirk has had the greatest influence on the youth of this nation, except for Donald Trump,” Margolis wrote. “While he is no longer with us, he has inspired millions in Generation Z to be bold and unabashed in their political views.”
College Republicans denied The Daily Orange’s request for comment.
The College Democrats at SU denounced the attack in a Wednesday evening statement to The D.O., stating that political violence has no place in society, especially in democracy.
“At a time when our nation is already deeply polarized, we must come together to reject hatred and cruelty in all its forms,” the statement reads.
College Democrats said Kirk’s killing is a tragic event and a reminder of “the broader crisis of gun violence” in the country. In 2023, 46,728 people died from gun violence, according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions.
New York State Assemblyman Chris Tague expressed his shock and sadness over Kirk in a Wednesday statement. He called Kirk a “dedicated family man” and a “passionate voice,” declaring that political violence goes against American values and must be condemned.
“I pray for Charlie’s family and our Republic during this deeply troubling time,” Tague said in the statement. “I will be joining millions of Americans across the nation in mourning the loss of Charlie.”
The New York State Conservative Party posted a Wednesday Instagram press release, mourning Kirk’s death. The statement said Kirk was a good man who has left a lasting impact.
“An assassin’s bullet may have taken his physical presence away, but his thoughts, his philosophy, his hard work, and his love for our nation will carry on,” CPNYstate said.
Chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee Jay S. Jacobs condemned Kirk’s death, calling it an “egregious act” in a Wednesday release.
“The attack today on Charlie Kirk was an attack on every value that Americans hold dear. America is all about everyone’s right to say things others may disagree with and even not like to hear,” Jacobs wrote. “This assassination of someone whose views I disagree with is about as un-American an act as can be perpetrated.”
As leaders across the country mourn Kirk’s death, a manhunt is still underway for the suspect, the New York Times reported.
