The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 sent shockwaves through the political national landscape, and St. Johns County leaders joined the chorus expressing sadness and dismay.
“While conservative, he respected those who disagreed with him, no matter how they spoke to or of him; he valued diversity of opinion,” John Delaney, president of Flagler College in St. Augustine, wrote via email to the St. Augustine Record. “Not the hate monger that hate mongers accused him of being.”
Kirk, 31, was gunned down as spoke with students during his “American Comeback Tour.” He was the founder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization that works to galvanize young conservatives. He spent much of his energy traveling ― most often to college campuses ― speaking and challenging others to open, civil debate.
No stranger to the Sunshine State, Kirk kicked off his tour in Tampa at the University of South Florida in February before heading to the University of Florida in Gainesville and then Florida State University in Tallahassee.
“He was more than a speaker — he was a voice of conviction, reason, and hope for a generation often overwhelmed by division and doubt,” St. Johns County Commissioner Ann Taylor said by email.
“As a devout Christian, Charlie’s faith guided him to awaken hearts and minds, inspiring millions of people young and old across the country—including my own son at Ole Miss, who was planning to see him speak on campus soon and called me in tears,” Taylor said. “He showed students that asking questions, thinking critically, and engaging in respectful, nonviolent debate are not just possible—but necessary.
“My prayers go out to his devoted wife, Erika, and their two precious little girls, who will grow up knowing their father was a man of faith, courage, purpose, and unwavering love for this country.”
Commissioner Sarah Arnold expressed a regret for one of America’s most passionate conservative voices.
“The death of Charlie Kirk will not remove his voice,” she said. “I believe that his death will amplify his voice. We must resolve to disagree without resorting to violence. As a nation, we must do better. We must be better. We are better than this. My family and I pray for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
Commissioner Clay Murphy described the killing as an attempt to assassinate the “very idea of America’s ability to live, worship, think and speak freely.”
“No matter your beliefs, we all should mourn,” he wrote in an email. “Mourn what was lost. Stand up as Americans and realize freedom is not free. Be courageous in these days of uncertainty and boldly proclaim the truth. My deepest condolence go to his family.”
Commissioner Christian Whitehurst said America was founded on the “idea that differences of opinion would not only be welcomed but encouraged.”
“The assassination of Charlie Kirk did not just take a husband from a wife or a father from his two young children, it attempts to silence the difference of opinion that makes us a stronger nation,” Whitehurst said. “I believe that it will have the opposite effect. I pray for Charlie Kirk’s family and friends as I pray that America doesn’t resort to violence to silence their political opponents.”
Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline described the event as tragic and heartbreaking.
“Violence is not the answer to anything,” she said. “Instead of pointing fingers or placing blame, we need to find common ground through bloodless discourse.”
St. Augustine Beach Mayor Dylan Rumrell expressed the need for prayer for both America and the Kirk family.
“As Americans, we need to stand united,” he said. “Treat people with respect. Treat people with love. Don’t let religion or politics control our lives. Be good humans. That’s what Jesus Christ wants from all of us.”
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: ‘Voice of conviction’: St. Johns County local leaders react to the killing of Charlie Kirk
Reporting by Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record / St. Augustine Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
