PORTLAND, Ore. — Political leaders in Oregon and Washington joined voices nationwide Wednesday in condemning the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling the attack a tragic reminder of the dangers of political violence.
A Fatal Shooting in Utah
Kirk, 31, was reportedly shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University, where he was launching his planned “American Comeback Tour.” He later died from his injuries.
The founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk rose to prominence by mobilizing young conservatives on college campuses nationwide. His organization now claims more than 3,500 chapters and was considered a crucial force in support of former President Donald Trump’s re-election campaigns.
A spokesperson for Turning Point USA confirmed his death, and the FBI said a person of interest is in custody. Authorities have not yet released a motive.
Leaders Across Oregon Speak Out
In Oregon, political figures across the spectrum denounced the killing.
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Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, called the shooting “deeply troubling” and urged Oregonians to resist hatred and violence in political discourse.
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U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden echoed those sentiments, saying the tragedy highlights the importance of maintaining democratic debate without threats of harm.
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House Republican Leader Christine Drazan, from Canby, described the act as an assassination, writing:
“Any extremist who has called for violent action against their political opponents should be ashamed of what they have brought on our country. Violence and hatred must end.”
U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, Oregon’s only Republican in the House, said he was praying for Kirk’s family. “Charlie was a passionate voice and a leader for the conservative movement,” Bentz said.
Washington Officials Condemn the Killing
In neighboring Washington state, Gov. Bob Ferguson posted on social media that he condemned the attack “in the strongest terms.”
Other lawmakers across the region echoed his words, urging Americans to reject violence as a tool for political expression.
Echoes of Rising Political Violence
The killing of Kirk comes against a backdrop of escalating violence in U.S. politics.
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In June, two Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota were shot, leaving one dead alongside her husband.
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Former President Donald Trump faced two separate assassination attempts while campaigning last summer.
These incidents have fueled alarm about the normalization of political aggression.
Jeff Helfrich, a Republican lawmaker from Hood River and a retired police sergeant, called Kirk’s killing an act of terrorism.
“He leaves behind a grieving wife and two children who no longer have a husband and father — all because a coward thought bullets were a way to win that conversation. Violence isn’t debate — it’s surrender.”
Local Party and Community Responses
Turning Point USA has an active presence in the Pacific Northwest, with chapters spanning Oregon and Washington universities. While local leaders deferred to the group’s national spokespersons, community members expressed grief and disbelief online.
U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum of Oregon wrote:
“Political violence has no place in this country. This is not how we settle our differences. I am praying for his family and loved ones.”
Nathan Soltz, head of the Democratic Party of Oregon, condemned the shooting while also framing it as a call to address gun violence.
“No matter how abhorrent we may find someone’s views, and no matter how vehemently we may disagree with them, violence is simply not the way.”
A Divided Nation Grapples with Tragedy
As tributes pour in, Kirk’s death underscores both the influence he wielded in shaping a generation of young conservatives and the dangers posed by deepening divisions in American politics.
For many officials, the tragedy has become an urgent call to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to nonviolence and the preservation of civil dialogue.
“Violence and hatred must end,” Drazan said in her statement — words that were echoed, in different forms, by political leaders on both sides of the aisle.
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