DeSantis Condemns “Targeted” Killing of Charlie Kirk

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis denounced the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling it a targeted political attack and a tragedy for the nation.

Speaking in Miami-Dade, DeSantis said he and his wife, Casey, had known Kirk for years. “Charlie was a warrior for liberty,” DeSantis said. “His murder is a tragedy for our country.”

Kirk, 31, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking at a Utah Valley University debate. Police say the attacker fired from a rooftop, striking Kirk in the neck before fleeing. Authorities believe the suspect acted alone and later detained a person of interest.

DeSantis emphasized that violence has no place in politics. “The way to resolve disputes is through debate and elections, not bullets,” he said. He also recalled narrowly avoiding political violence himself in 2017, when a gunman opened fire at a congressional baseball practice after asking if the players were Republicans.

On X, DeSantis wrote: “Rest in Peace, Charlie Kirk. Casey and I are praying for his family. His murder is a tragedy for our nation.”

Former President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff, calling Kirk “a great guy from top to bottom.” Leaders across the political spectrum, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, condemned the killing as an attack on democracy itself.