Following the Sept. 10 killing of Charlie Kirk, Alaskans are joining Americans across the country in offering thoughts and prayers for the acclaimed conservative apologist and his young family.

Kirk was famous for his willingness to courageously show up on college campuses and field tough questions from those on the political and cultural left.

He was shot in the neck during a massive open-air event at Utah Valley University. When the unknown and still at-large gunman fired, Kirk was in the midst of answering a student’s question about the troubling trend of gun violence and recent shootings perpetrated by people who claim to be transgender.

Kirk was 31 years old. He is survived by his wife Erika, daughter Mia Grace and son James Charles.

The following are excerpts lifted from online posts and other statements by leaders from across Alaska.

— Gov. Mike Dunleavy: “This is a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Charlie Kirk’s family. Charlie was murdered for exercising free speech. It’s going to take all of us to protect that right. Charlie was the very definition of courage.”

— U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan: “Political violence is abhorrent and has absolutely no place in our country. We may have differences, but we are all Americans. Charlie Kirk tragically died fighting for what he believed in: freedom – freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and freedom to organize. He not only championed those ideals, particularly for the next generation, he embodied them. The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to keep challenging ideas, defending free speech, and pursuing open and civil debate that strengthens our society and our country. May Charlie rest in peace, and may God bless his young family.”

— U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski: “There is no place for political violence in the United States of America. I am praying for Charlie Kirk, his young family, and those who witnessed this horrific event.”

— U.S. Rep. Nick Begich: “Charlie Kirk was a bold leader. He helped shape a generation of young people who fearlessly love America. Charlie was a true American hero, and the movement he helped build will only grow after his passing. The left is playing a dangerous game in selling a continuous stream of lies to the American public about the America First movement, about the nature of bills being passed in Washington, and about the conservative policies that they oppose. As they lose the battle of ideas, the left has reverted to violence and slander when faced with a difference of opinions. We must get back to a place of civil discourse in this country. My wife Dharna and I are praying for Charlie’s family and for healing within our nation.”

— Alaska Senate Republican Caucus: “Today, a malicious assassination was intended to silence not only a leading voice in young conservatism, but anyone who dares to speak up. Through the shock and sorrow, there is hope in seeing how many Americans have expressed love and prayers towards Charlie and his family. The Senate Republican Caucus sends its condolences to the Kirks. Do not be mistaken, this was an act of terror designed to suppress anyone who challenges the establishment and wins the hearts and minds of young Americans.  We will not be silenced, and we will not live in fear. The fight is not over, and Charlie’s courage will live on not only in his wife and children, but the millions of Americans he inspired.”

— Former Lt. Gov. Loren Leman: “The shooting death of Charlie Kirk earlier today in Utah is sad. But rather than be defeated, we ought to be inspired by Charlie’s short life. He made a difference. In many ways he was a culture warrior with Turning Point USA. While protecting free speech, we can agree that violence is never right. We must confront evil like this. Carolyn and I are praying for healing for Charlie’s wife Erika, his two young children, and extended family – as well as for Alaska and the rest of our country.”

— Right To Life~Interior Alaska President Pamela Samash: “Charlie was bold and outspoken about Christ, truth, life, education, and other topics that were controversial in today’s lost society. He lived to speak honestly, and he went right to the hornets’ nests to do it. Our young people needed to hear what he said. As we grieve the loss of Charlie and pray for his family, let’s also learn from him and continue doing what he did, with just as much faith and courage. Our younger generation needs to hear about the Lord, about family and the miracle of having children and the plan of men and women coming together in marriages that were created by God … Our youth are starving for sincere truthfulness of what this life is really all about.”

— State Rep. Jamie Allard: “Governor Dunleavy just told me ‘Our State of Alaska flag will be lowered with the federal flag in honor of Charlie Kirk’s memory.’ … Dan and I are sending heartfelt prayers to Erika and their precious children.”

— State Sen. Mike Cronk: “My heart goes out to Charlie Kirk and his beautiful family during this tragedy. No child should have to grow up without their father. Whether you agreed with him or not, no one should fear losing their life for exercising our basic right to freedom of speech.Today is a dark day for our country. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.”

— Former State Rep. David Eastman: “Do not honor him because of the manner of his death. Honor him because he was so courageous and so effective that they could find no better way to shut him up than to murder him. Rest in peace Charlie.”

— Mat-Su Young Republicans: Today, our conservative movement lost a bold and fearless voice. Charlie Kirk dedicated his life to empowering young people, defending American values, and building a future rooted in freedom, faith, and opportunity. His passion for truth and his courage to speak boldly inspired countless young conservatives across the country — including here in Alaska. The Mat-Su Young Republicans stand in gratitude for his leadership and the movement he helped strengthen. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his team at Turning Point USA, and all those mourning this tremendous loss. May we honor Charlie’s legacy by continuing the work he believed in — raising strong voices, defending liberty, and never being afraid to stand up for America. Rest in peace, Charlie.

— State Senator Mike Shower: “Pure evil. No other way to describe it.”

— State Rep. Jubilee Underwood: “‘Well done my good and faithful servant’ – I am convinced he heard those words today. My heart is heavy. Praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and this nation. Rest in the arms of Jesus, Charlie.”

— AK Family Council President Jim Minnery: “The unspeakable happened today as Charlie Kirk, husband, father of two young children, ambassador of Jesus Christ and an “influencer” the likes of which our country has rarely ever experienced, was fatally shot today while giving a presentation at a college campus in Utah … 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.”

— State Sen. Shelley Hughes: “Charlie Kirk did not have a vindictive bone in his body. He simply wanted young people – all of us – to use critical thinking skills in our discussions about our nation and what policies are good for Americans. My heart goes out to his dear wife and sweet children for this unjustified tragedy. I hope as his legacy, we can follow in the path he modeled of civil discourse using critical thinking skills, no matter where a person falls on the political spectrum.”

— Church On The Rock Pastor Jonathan Walker: “Grief and Outrage…are often vacillating and visceral emotions in tragic moments like these. They are also appropriate emotions. Grief for the pain and loss that a wife and two small children must now navigate…Outrage that they are so soon being forced to navigate them. Grief for the coming wave of divisive rhetoric and behavior in an already deeply divided nation…Outrage that ANYONE would be murdered for taking a personal and public stand rooted in deep conviction. Grief that people will be increasingly fearful of publicly voicing their opinions…Outrage that violence would ever be cheered for, called for, let alone employed, in an effort to silence or intimidate others into submission.”

— King’s Alaska Pastor Daniel Bracken: “We grieve the loss of Charlie Kirk. His voice stirred a generation. May his life become the seed of awakening. We pray for justice and God’s peace and strength over his family, and that his legacy would inspire many to stand for truth.”

— Cornerstone Church Anchorage: “Charlie Kirk is with Jesus. God is sovereign. He is in control. Nothing is a surprise to Him. Charlie Kirk always said the same. Dr. David Jeremiah has said, “A man of God in the will of God is immortal until His work is done.” Charlie, you walked the walk, followed and loved Jesus. Thank you for your continued challenge and encouragement to the body of Christ and Americans everywhere. Church family, please pray for Charlie’s wife and children during this time.”

— Alaska Republican Party Chairman Carmela Warfield: “I am deeply saddened and outraged by the assassination of a true American patriot, Charlie Kirk. Charlie was a devoted Christian, a fearless and thoughtful leader, a gifted communicator, and a tireless advocate for the conservative movement … His death leaves a gaping hole in the fabric of our nation and the soul of our movement, and we are diminished by his absence.”

— State Rep. Cathy Tilton: “The assassination of Charlie Kirk was unconscionable and cannot be tolerated in our constitutional republic. Regardless of our political leanings, murder must never be acceptable for expressing personal beliefs. I join his family and friends in mourning his loss for this senseless and despicable act.”

— Fairbanks Mayor David Pruhs: “We are very saddened to hear about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. With President Trump’s directive, we are sadly yet proudly lowering our flag at half-mast to honor such a wonderful human being. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his beautiful wife and wonderful young children. Senseless violence is never the answer. Portions of Charlie Kirk’s words and spirit resides in all Fairbanksans, Alaskans and Americans.”

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