Florida's political leaders urged people to pray following news that conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot to death during a campus event in Utah.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, opening an afternoon news conference in Miami, said he and the First Lady Casey DeSantis have known Kirk for more than 10 years.
"He's somebody that a lot of people have a great regard for. He's done a lot," the Republican governor said, adding that he was praying for Kirk.
"What happened today was not just an attack on Charlie personally, but, really an attack on the idea that we resolve these things through reason, debate, and elections," DeSantis said.
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday afternoon that Kirk had died.
Attorney General James Uthmeier, a Republican, said in a social media post, "Leftist violence is out of control," adding that he and his wife were praying for "one of the greatest conservative leaders of our generation."
Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott expressed dismay.
Ann and I are horrified to hear our good friend, @charliekirk11, was shot at Utah Valley University.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) September 10, 2025
Charlie is a patriot who loves his country. I ask every American to join me in praying for him, his family, and every student gathered there.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody said her office was monitoring the situation and that she was praying "for Charlie Kirk, the students, and this nation."
Republican U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna credited Kirk for inspiring her involvement in poilitics.
I am done with the rhetoric this rotten House and corrupt media has caused.
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) September 10, 2025
EVERY DAMN ONE OF YOU WHO CALLED US FASCISTS DID THIS.
You were too busy doping up kids, cutting off their genitals, inciting racial violence by supporting orgs that exploit minorities, protecting…
A tragic day in America. Our prayers are with @charliekirk11, his family, and @TPUSA. Charlie has inspired millions of young minds, spreading truth and building the largest conservative movement of our time. This violence, fueled by the Left’s dangerous rhetoric, must end.
— Florida GOP (@FloridaGOP) September 10, 2025
We are deeply disturbed by the news of the attack on Charlie Kirk.
— Florida Democrats (@FlaDems) September 10, 2025
Violence has NO place in our politics.
We are keeping him and his loved ones in our prayers.
Republican Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said in a social media post that he was praying for Kirk and his family, as did Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez.
"Charlie Kirk is a remarkable and genuine voice for the conservative movement. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family after this senseless shooting," Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia posted to social media.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson said she was "horrified" and that "Political violence is never the answer and my prayers are with him."
What happened to Charlie Kirk is not ok. Political violence is never the answer. We can fight hard on the issues without threatening people’s lives.
— Shevrin “Shev” Jones (@ShevrinJones) September 10, 2025
"This is a human being — a young father and husband. Charlie challenged us to engage in civil discourse, not violence. Everyone's hearts should be broken right now for this beautiful family," Florida Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) posted to social media.
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican candidate for governor, called Kirk "an American Patriot" in a social media post. "He did not deserve this heinous act. NOBODY DOES. Pray for Charlie."
Republican candidate for governor and former House Speaker Paul Renner said, "Charlie was taken from us by a sick and deranged act of political violence," in a social media post.
"The world stops when we hear of political violence. And it should. Prayers for Charlie Kirk right now, for our nation, and for our politics," former U.S. Rep. and Democratic candidate for governor David Jolly said in a social media post.
Tuesday, the Phoenix reported on a survey finding that during the past three years, violence against campus speakers was viewed as increasingly more acceptable.
The 2025 College Free Speech Rankings produced by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression found that 34% of students nationwide consider it acceptable, at least in rare cases, to use violence to stop a campus speech. In 2024, that number was 32%; in 2023, it was 27%; in 2022, it was 20%. In 2020, 24% of students found violence acceptable at least in rare situations.
During a Florida Board of Governors meeting Wednesday in Sarasota, Education Commissioner Anastasio Kamoutsas prayed for Kirk.
"We want to pray God that his soul be resting right now, that his wife, you are there comforting her as well as his children during this incredibly difficult time," Kamoutsas said and paused for a moment of silence.
Kirk toured the country appearing on university campuses offering debate with people. He appeared at Florida State University, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, and the University of Florida in February.
Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com.
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