Politics & Government

SC politicians react to conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s shooting death

Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk debates students during his American Comeback Tour event held at the Humanities Amphitheatre on the University of Tennessee's campus in Knoxville on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk debates students during his American Comeback Tour event held at the Humanities Amphitheatre on the University of Tennessee's campus in Knoxville on Thursday, March 13, 2025. USA TODAY NETWORK

South Carolina politicians mourned the death of conservative youth activist and commentator Charlie Kirk. In the immediate aftermath, several officials went to social media to call for an end of political violence came.

Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot at an event in Utah Valley University.

“Our hearts break for the Kirk family, Turning Point USA, and all who had the privilege of knowing Charlie personally,” U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace posted on X after the news of Kirk’s death was confirmed by President Donald Trump. “He was a beacon of true leadership, rooted deeply in his faith as a Christian, his principles as a conservative, and his integrity as a man.”

U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman said he was praying for Kirk’s family.

“Charlie is now in the presence of his Savior. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and daughters,” Norman said.

Attorney General Alan Wilson said he was heartbroken over the assassination.

“He was nothing but kind whenever we’ve met. I can’t believe this is real. Please continue praying for his family,” Wilson posted.

State Rep. Leon Stavrinakis, D-Charleston, called for the end of political violence.

“Gunning down another person in cold blood is a despicable act and it cannot be tolerated or justified in any way. Political violence is even worse. We cannot accept any of this as normal or as something we have to live with,” Stavrinakis posted.

State Rep. JA Moore, D-Charleston, whose sister was killed in the 2015 Charleston church shooting, weighed in shortly before Kirk’s death was announced.

“The devastating shooting of Charlie Kirk brings back so many memories of loss and pain. I am sending love and compassion to his family and loved ones. There’s no need for violence, for any reason, ever. Praying for America,” Moore posted.

State Sen. Josh Kimbrell, R-Spartanburg, said on Facebook that political violence has to stop.

“The shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah today is horrific and repugnant. He is a genuinely good guy who loves the country, and this kind of targeted attack against him for his political beliefs is unacceptable in our society,” Kimbrell said.

State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Richland, also weighed in.

“Charlie did not deserve death because he was gifted in articulating arguments,” Johnson posted on X. “The political establishment has created something very anti-American. Citizens need to stand together and say enough is enough.”

Joseph Bustos
The State
Joseph Bustos is a state government and politics reporter at The State. He’s a Northwestern University graduate and previously worked in Illinois covering government and politics. He has won reporting awards in both Illinois and Missouri. He moved to South Carolina in November 2019 and won the Jim Davenport Award for Excellence in Government Reporting for his work in 2022. Support my work with a digital subscription
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