Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead, MI Officials React: 'Sadness. Disgust. Anger'

Leaders across Michigan and the U.S. are condemning the shooting that claimed the life of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Michigan Congressman John James (R-10), remembered Kirk as a "fearless voice for America’s future," alleging he was "martyred for his Christian conservative values."

James, dubbing the shooting "horrific," praised Kirk, who was the founder of Turning Point USA and father to two small children. "Charlie was faithful even unto death — obedient to his convictions, bold in his witness, and steadfast in proclaiming the truth," James said via X. "In an age when too many are afraid to speak, Charlie reminded us that conviction must matter more than convenience."

In an update Wednesday evening, the FBI said they have the suspected shooter in custody.

Meanwhile, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for action, tweeting, "Thinking of Charlie Kirk, his family, and the community at UVU after the horrific shooting. We should all come together to stand up against any and all forms of political violence. It’s unacceptable."

Related: 5 Things To Know About Charlie Kirk

Michigan Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt called the shooting, which occurred just after Kirk was seen discussing gang violence and mass shootings, "an act of terrorism, plain and simple," adding, "The assassination of Charlie Kirk at the campus of Utah Valley University is yet another violent assault on our American way of life. Charlie always emphasized that the minute we stop having discourse, the second we stop sharing ideas with each other, despite our differences, is when we will devolve into violence ... I, as well as most Americans, am overwhelmed with emotions after what we witnessed today. Sadness. Disgust. Anger."

Democratic U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin condemned the killing, saying, "Political violence should be condemned by all decent people, no matter what your political leanings might be."

Other political officials across the country reacted Wednesday to the apparent political violence, a disturbing trend that's seemed to become more frequent in recent months. In June, a Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker and her husband were assassinated in their home. In April, a fire was set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish. Trump himself was shot during a campaign rally in July 2024.

"The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying," Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker tweeted. "Political violence has no place in this country and should never become the norm," he added, saying he was sending his sympathies to those close to Kirk, a father of two who grew up in Wheeling, Illinois.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said the shooting "deeply disturbed" her, adding, "we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence."

Vice President JD Vance called Kirk "a genuinely good guy and a young father" before sharing Trump's announcement of Kirk's death, writing, "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord."

Kirk, 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA, which advocates for conservative politics on school campuses. A native of the Chicago suburbs, he leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, and two young children.

In the wake of Kirk's death, Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff "at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, September 14, 2025." Trump's proclamation also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Sept. 14 at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices "and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations."