Arizona politicians react to death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah

PHOENIX — Arizona politicians expressed condolences after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon.

President Donald Trump announced his death in a Truth Social post at 1:40 p.m.

The conservative activist co-founded Phoenix-based Turning Point USA and played a key role in Republican politics in Arizona and across the U.S.

One politician he threw his support behind was U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, who is running for governor in 2026.

Charlie. My friend. I’m heartbroken.

Rest now. pic.twitter.com/Njuh0GUsxk

— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) September 10, 2025

Kirk served as the featured speaker of the Biggs for Governor Rally on May 31.

More Arizona politicians react to news of Charlie Kirk shooting

Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, said she was deeply saddened by news of the assassination.

“This tragedy is not about who Charlie Kirk supported politically,” Hobbs said in a statement. “It is about the devastating loss of a father, a neighbor, and an Arizonan who called this state home.”

Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot and severely injured during a 2011 meeting in southern Arizona, voiced support, along with her husband, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly.

“The murder of Charlie Kirk breaks my heart,” Giffords said. “My deepest sympathies are with his wife, two young children and friends.”

The murder of Charlie Kirk breaks my heart. My deepest sympathies are with his wife, two young children, and friends.

Attacks against political or ideological opponents are cowardly and un-American, and must be universally condemned.

— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) September 10, 2025

“The news that Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking in Utah is shocking and horrible,” Kelly wrote on social media. “It’s an example of political violence that has no place in our country. Gabby and I are thinking of him and his family.

Mayor Kate Gallego also said this incident is an example of the nation’s “political violence crisis.”

We have a political violence crisis in America.

January 6. The attacks on Donald Trump and Minnesota’s legislators.

Today’s depraved murder of Charlie Kirk.

I’m praying for Charlie’s family and friends, and also for our country.

— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) September 10, 2025

Kari Lake, other Arizona Republicans react to Charlie Kirk shooting

Kirk was also a close ally of local political figure Kari Lake, backing her unsuccessful Senate bid last year. She described him as “an incredible man who loves America.”

Charlie Kirk is a husband, father, son and friend. He is an incredible man who loves America. He has been shot in what appears to be an assassination attempt in Utah.

I am holding Charlie, his wonderful wife Erika and their children is deep prayer.

Almighty Father, Please…

— Kari Lake (@KariLake) September 10, 2025

Republican David Schweikert, who represents parts of north Phoenix, Scottsdale and other northeast Valley suburbs in Congress, also commented.

I am devastated to hear the news about Charlie Kirk. I want to extend my heartfelt prayers and support to Charlie and his family.

— Rep. David Schweikert (@RepDavid) September 10, 2025

“I urge everyone to join me in praying for this faithful patriot, his beautiful family, and our country,” wrote Rep. Abe Hamadeh, a Republican who represents parts of the West Valley.

Also calling for prayers was Rep. Eli Crane.

Please pray for Charlie Kirk

— Rep. Eli Crane (@RepEliCrane) September 10, 2025

More Arizona politicians react to news of Charlie Kirk shooting at Utah university

Democratic U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego said Kirk’s assassination was “beyond terrible.”

This is beyond terrible. Charlie Kirk was a husband, father, and son.

Violence is never the answer. Sydney and I are keeping the Kirk family in our prayers.

— Senator Ruben Gallego (@SenRubenGallego) September 10, 2025

Reps. Greg Stanton and Yassamin Ansari both described the shooting as horrifying.

The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying. I’m praying hard for him, and keeping his family in my thoughts.

Political violence has absolutely no place in our country. https://t.co/u0MRmdavk3

— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) September 10, 2025

Political violence is never acceptable—this is horrific. https://t.co/DrVqv1drRK

— Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari) September 10, 2025

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