WI Reacts After Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Is Shot At University Event

Charlie Kirk, co-founder and CEO of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during a college event in Utah, President Donald Trump announced. He was 31.

The shooting happened during Turning Point’s visit to Utah Valley University in Orem. The college reported that a suspect has been taken into custody.

Kirk was a prominent conservative commentator who drew large audiences on campuses nationwide.

Trump wrote on Truth Social following news of Kirk’s death:

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

Read more: Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead In Utah

Several Wisconsin officials had already issued statements when Kirk was first reported to be in critical condition.

Most of those messages came before confirmation of his death:

Sen. Ron Johnson: “Please say a prayer for Charlie, his family, and his team.” Later, Johnson added, “Rest in peace.”

Sen. Tammy Baldwin: “There is no two ways about this: political violence has no place in America. I am keeping Charlie and his family in my thoughts in this truly horrifying moment.”

Rep. Bryan Steil: “Praying for Charlie Kirk.”

Rep. Mark Pocan: “Political violence is never acceptable. Gun violence is never acceptable. Never.”

Rep. Derrick Van Orden: “I am disgusted with @HouseDemocrats. They just shouted down openly praying for @charliekirk11. We might as well scratch off: ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ off the rostrum on the house floor.”

Rep. Gwen Moore: “I condemn political violence in all forms. No family should ever face this kind of pain. I am praying for Charlie Kirk, his family and loved ones.”

Rep. Scott Fitzgerald: “Horrified to learn Charlie Kirk was shot today during a campus political dialogue. My prayers are with Charlie and his family. Political violence has no place in America—ever.”

Rep. Glenn Grothman: “Heartbroken by the loss of Charlie Kirk. Political violence has no place in America. We can disagree without resorting to hatred or harm. My prayers are with his family as we remember Charlie, a hardworking young man and devoted father.”

Rep. Tom Tiffany: “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and all the students at the event at Utah Valley University.”

Rep. Tony Wied: “Charlie Kirk was a true American Patriot and his legacy will live on for generations to come. My prayers are with his family during this extremely difficult time.”

This is a breaking news story.