On Wednesday afternoon, Florida leaders came out to provide their thoughts after conservative influencer Charlie Kirk was killed during a college event at Utah Valley University.
Videos posted on social media show the 31-year-old activist speaking with a handheld microphone at the event before a gunshot rang out, and Kirk could be seen reaching up as blood gushed from the left side of his neck.
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He was hospitalized shortly afterward, though President Donald Trump — a political figure whom Kirk publicly championed and advocated for — later took to the social media platform Truth Social to announce Kirk’s death.
Trump also declared an order to lower all American flags across the U.S. to half-staff until Sunday at 6 p.m. in honor of Kirk’s legacy.
Meanwhile, below are some of the reactions to Kirk’s death by leaders across the Sunshine State.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
Rest in Peace, Charlie Kirk.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 10, 2025
Casey and I are praying for his family.
Charlie was a warrior for liberty, and his murder is a tragedy for our nation.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) September 10, 2025
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. https://t.co/HETXTyh8G5
Rep. Maxwell Frost
This is nothing short of horrific. Charlie Kirk, UVU students, and every single person deserves to be safe from gun violence no matter where they are in our country or what their political beliefs are. https://t.co/HShU4cVWkK
— Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@RepMaxwellFrost) September 10, 2025
U.S. Rep. Randy Fine
Charlie Kirk gave his life while engaged in that most basic American activity — political debate.
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) September 10, 2025
And someone killed him for doing it.
My heart is broken for Charlie, his family, and for the country that he loved that will never be the same.
The rubicon has been crossed.…
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood
State Rep. Anna Eskamani
My condolences go out to his family, his loved ones, and to all who witnessed this horrific act of violence. We must reject political violence & recommit ourselves to creating safer communities, where disagreements are resolved through dialogue & respect, never through bloodshed. https://t.co/FwIT0ogVHb
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, PhD 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) September 10, 2025
Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey
Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini
RIP Charlie Kirk—the foremost American leader of my generation, & one of the greatest living Americans
— Anthony Sabatini (@AnthonySabatini) September 10, 2025
Few fought harder for our country than Charlie Kirk
He will never be forgotten pic.twitter.com/672wo8d8fs
Turning Point USA
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) September 10, 2025
Florida Family Voice CEO Erik Dellenback
“Dear Friends,
Today, our hearts are heavy. We have just learned that Charlie Kirk was tragically shot during an event in Utah and has passed away. Exactly four months ago today, we were honored to welcome Charlie as the keynote speaker at our Annual Dinner. His message both inspired and challenged us, and we were encouraged by his unwavering commitment to championing truth and boldly leading on college campuses across the nation.
Charlie was a remarkable young father, a devoted husband, and a courageous defender of truth. His life reflected a love for God, family, and our nation—values he shared passionately from the heart. Now, though our hearts grieve his loss, our faith anchors us in a greater hope: our God is indeed a God of resurrection.
We take comfort in knowing that Charlie’s faith was real—that he stood firm in Jesus, unwavering in his conviction that our ultimate hope is found only in Him. Charlie is now at rest with the Lord he served so well—and we trust that heaven echoes with his welcome. In this moment of grief, we invite you to join us in prayer:
For Charlie’s beloved wife, Erika, and their children: may they experience the deep comfort of Christ amid their sorrow.
For a grieving nation: may this moment awaken in us all the profound truth that earthly life is fleeting, but our Heavenly home is eternal.
For our own hearts: that grief may deepen our faith, and that we too would stand firm for truth, purpose, and love.
Though words fail, our hope remains: ‘Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints’ (Psalm 116:15)."
CEO Erik Dellenback, Florida Family Voice