Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist and media personality, was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. University officials say no suspect has been arrested in the killing of Kirk, an ally of President Donald Trump and the founder of Turning Point USA, the country’s top youth conservative group.
Below are statements from New Jersey officials on the killing (many came before the announcement that Kirk had died):
Gov. Phil Murphy: “Horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk today in Utah. We must unequivocally condemn political violence. Please pray for Charlie, his wife, and children.”
Senator Cory Booker: “We must call politicial violence what it is: evil and an attack on our most fundamental values. The shooting of Charlie Kirk today in Utah must be condemned by all. My heart is with Charlie Kirk, his family, and all those who are impacted.”
Senator Andy Kim: “Simply abhorrent. There is no justification for political violence. We all must condemn this attack on Charlie Kirk.”
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), the Democratic nominee for governor: “There is absolutely no place for political violence in this country. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk, his loved ones, and the community at Utah Valley University. The perpetrator of this abhorrent act should be brought to justice.”
Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee for governor: “There must be zero tolerance for political violence and harsh punishment for the perpetrators of it. Pray for Charlie Kirk and his young family.”
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis): “Absolutely heartbroken. America lost a true patriot today. God bless Charlie Kirk, and my prayers are with his family and all who loved him.”
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing): “This is truly horrific. We must forcefully reject all political violence. There is no place for it in our country. Bill and I are praying for Charlie and his family.”
Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield): “Praying for Charlie Kirk, his family, and the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene. Political violence has no place in our country. The perpetrator must be held accountable.”
Rep. Herb Conaway (D-Delran): “I unequivocally condemn the attack on Charlie Kirk. The truest sign of our right as Americans to freedom of expression is tolerating opinions you don’t agree with. Using political violence to settle our differences is never the answer and will only divide us. I pray for Charlie Kirk’s family and the students of UVU.”
Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden): “Political violence is never acceptable. The shooting of Charlie Kirk must be condemned. I’m thinking of Charlie Kirk and the entire Kirk family during these troubling times.”
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch): “I was shocked and appalled to hear the news of Charlie Kirk’s shooting today. We as a country cannot afford to normalize political violence and gun violence. American democracy is based upon the principle of peaceful, respectful disagreement.”
Rep. Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City): “We must all unequivocally condemn the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk. Gun violence and political violence must have no place in our country. My thoughts are with his family, friends, the UVU community who witnessed this horrific act and our entire country in this moment. Let this be a clarion call for our nation: we must work together to heal our division and prevent these tragedies from ever happening again.”
Rep. Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon): “I condemn the heinous shooting of Charlie Kirk. Political violence is against everything America stands for and is never acceptable. I pray for him and for his family.”
Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester): “My wife, Marie, and I are absolutely sickened by the unconscionable act of political violence, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which has devastated his wife and children, his family and friends, and his millions of followers. In his name, we again, emphatically reject and call for an end to all forms of political violence, including the hate-filled posts and actions that continue to overshadow civility and respect in our public discourse. Charlie Kirk was a young, bright, articulate, and captivating citizen-leader, who loved America deeply and believed that our best days were still ahead. A fierce advocate for open dialogue and the power of ideas, he possessed a special gift for motivating young Americans, challenging them to debate during the signature ‘prove me wrong’ events of the organization he founded, Turning Point USA. Charlie Kirk engaged and energized the youth to participate in the democratic process and contribute to our Nation’s future. We pray that perpetual light shines upon him and for the wellbeing of his family.”
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly): “There is no place for political violence in America. We must all stand up against hate — no matter your political affiliation. I’m horrified by the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk today in Utah, and I’m praying for his family, loved ones, and the Utah Valley University community.”
Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-Newark): “Political violence has no place in our democracy. Ever. I am praying for Charlie Kirk’s family, loved ones, and the community of Utah Valley University.”
State Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco: “First and foremost, my heart goes out to Charlie Kirk’s wife and children, who today lost a husband and a father. This kind of political violence has no place in our society and tragically, it’s becoming far too common. We must start seeing one another as human beings, not simply as political opponents, or as people on the right or left. We are better than this as a nation. As leaders, we have a responsibility to tone down the rhetoric and to encourage others to do the same. It’s time to lead with compassion, not division.”
State Sen. Parker Space and Assemblymembers Dawn Fantasia and Michael Inganamort, Republicans from the 24th legislative district: “We are overwhelmed with sorrow and outrage over the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He was a driven and articulate advocate who stood firmly for his convictions—and no one should ever be silenced, let alone killed, for their political beliefs or for engaging in public discourse. Our hearts go out in prayer and solidarity to his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children, as well as every life he impacted in his powerful but tragically abbreviated journey. May they find strength in the love he inspired and in the principles he so bravely championed. Justice must be served, and political violence must never prevail in our nation.”
State Sen. Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymembers Greg McGuckin and Paul Kanitra, Republicans from the 10th legislative district: “The news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination has left us stunned with grief and indignation. Charlie was a fearless and passionate advocate, never afraid to speak his mind or stand firm in his beliefs. His murder is not just a personal tragedy—it’s an attack on the principles of free expression and civil discourse. There is absolutely no place for political violence in our society. Our hearts are with his wife, and their two young children, and all who knew him. May they find comfort in the impact he made and the values he championed. His voice may have been silenced, but his cause must not be. Justice must be done, and as a nation, we must stand united against the forces that seek to divide us through fear and violence.”
State Sen. Vin Gopal and Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul, Democrats from the 11th legislative district: “We are appalled to hear about the killing of Charlie Kirk in Utah this afternoon. Violence has no place in our politics and we unequivocally condemn this senseless and horrific attack. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to Mr. Kirk’s family.”
