Arkansas leaders condemn killing of Charlie Kirk
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Charlie Kirk in 2024 at the University of Arizona campus in Tucson. Photo: Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images
Political leaders in Arkansas condemned the Wednesday killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and the University of Arkansas' Turning Point USA chapter asked people to wear red on Thursday to honor his memory.
Zoom in: The local student chapter of the organization that Kirk founded in 2012 had about 100 members as of Thursday, according to its website. Kirk spoke at an off-campus event hosted by the registered student organization in 2022, University of Arkansas spokesperson John Thomas confirmed to Axios.
- "Charlie lived an honorable life of service and sacrifice. His message for years has been that violence occurs when we cannot speak with one another. We need to learn to talk to one another again," the group said in an Instagram post.
The big picture: The 31-year-old, who died after being shot while speaking at Utah Valley University, was known for his discussions at college campuses where he'd take direct questions from students across the political spectrum. He also had a popular podcast and was a political commentator.
- Kirk was instrumental in ushering masses of young Americans to conservative politics and a driving force in President Trump's White House runs, Axios' Avery Lotz and Tal Axelrod write.
- He was the defining voice of MAGA's next generation, a proud Christian nationalist and a close friend to the president and his family, even helping to vet candidates for top administration posts, Axios' Zachary Basu writes.
What they're saying: "America witnessed a cowardly act of evil today," Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders posted on X on Wednesday. "To Charlie and his family — well done, good and faithful servant. America is better because of you."
- "Charlie Kirk deserves, as every person does, the freedom to share political views (without) fear of violence. The children at Evergreen High School deserve, as every child does, the freedom to go school (without) fear of violence. I pray we learn the lessons from this sad day," state Rep. Nicole Clowney (D-Fayetteville) posted on X, referencing the Colorado school shooting that happened the same day Kirk was killed.
- The assassination also drew condemnation and condolences from all six members of the state's federal delegation.
Go deeper: "This is existential": MAGA's siege mentality deepens after Kirk killing