Cleveland County elected officials, candidates react to Charlie Kirk’s assassination

Charlie Kirk, with wife Erika and their two children. Courtesy photo

On Sept 10, Charlie Kirk, 31, was killed by an assassin’s bullet while talking with college students at Utah Valley University, Orem Utah.

Kirk, who was known for a political commentary, event organizing, a podcast host, journalist, author and husband to wife Erika and the father of two young children, had risen through the ranks of popularity, speaking on conservative ideals and Christian values.

Twenty minutes into his open public debate with thousands in attendance, Kirk was struck by an assassin’s bullet in the neck. He was rushed in a private vehicle to Timpanogos Regional Hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead.

Politicians and public figures from across the world have spoken up against political violence since Kirk’s murder. Here, in Cleveland County, elected officials and current local political candidates have also spoken out about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Chairman of the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners, Kevin Gordon said to The Shelby Independent, “First and foremost, Sherry and I will continue to think and pray for Erika Kirk and their small children. Also, we will continue to remember and pray for Charlie’s parents and his extended family, colleagues, and friends.

Charlie was a true patriot and a shining example of humanity. His impact was profound and his legacy will live on in our Christian conservative values.

Free speech is a cornerstone of our freedom and, fair and open debate, is a virtue of our political process. Those who we may debate, and might disagree with, are NOT our enemies. They are our fellow citizens!”

N.C. State Representative Kelly Hastings, 110 District, said in a social media post, “I prayed for Charlie Kirk and his loved ones. I am not just saying that I prayed, I prayed to God for him and his loved ones.”

Hastings also noted he had been made aware of the comments made by a Gaston School teacher and was contacting the school board after several 9/11 events that he had scheduled.

Caroline Eason, who is running against Hastings for the N.C. House seat of the 110 District, told The Shelby Independent, “I am deeply saddened, and honestly sick to my stomach, at the news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. This is not just the loss of a conservative leader; it is the loss of a father, a husband, a believer, and a bold voice for truth. My heart goes out to his family during this tragedy.

I can only hope that one day I’ll be able to lay at the Lord’s feet the same kind of faith, courage, and conviction that he carried during his time on this Earth.

His death is also a sobering reminder that free speech is under attack in America. We need strong, principled leaders who defend our rights, our values, and our faith. As a freshman at UNC Chapel Hill in 2018, the first club I attended was a Turning Point USA meeting at the Student Union. It was one of the few places where I immediately felt at home. Now more than ever, we must move forward, united in Charlie’s and TPUSA’s mission to engage the next generation in advocating for Christian conservative values.”

Josh Biddix, candidate for Cleveland County Commissioner, said, “The loss of Charlie Kirk is an extremely tragic event for our nation. He always practiced his debates with dignity and respect for the opposing views that he faced.

There are social topics that many will never come to agree upon, but we must learn that, although we may not all agree with each other, it does not mean that we hate one another. I pray for Charlie’s family and our nation.”

School Board Vice-Chair Aaron Bridges also gave his thoughts on the matter, stating to The Shelby Independent, “It is a sad day for America. When political differences drives someone to kill another individual. I condemn all acts of violence in any form, especially when it comes to politics. We are better than this and we should be able to discuss and resolve differences in other ways. Where has the moral compass of society been shifted to? What the world needs more now than ever, is God. I pray for Charlie’s family and friends.”

The killer was later recognized in video and photos released by law enforcement by a youth minister and his own father and identified as Tyler Robinson, a 22 year old man from Utah.

According to reports, Robinson was in an alleged romantic relationship with an unidentified male who is transitioning to be a woman; they shared an apartment together in Saint George, Utah. Robinson's romantic partner is fully cooperating with federal and state law enforcement.

Charlie Kirk was the founder of Turning Point, USA. At the time of his death TPUSA had 9,000 college chapters and 1,100 high school chapters.

Kirk’s wife Erika went public on Friday, standing behind a sign that read “May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior.” Kirk’s widow encouraged young people to get involved with TPUSA and confirming that the current tour around college campuses would continue.

TPUSA claims that since Erika spoke for the first time since the assassination of her husband, that TPUSA has had 18,000 total new chapter requests.  

Kirk’s remains were flown back to his home in Arizona, aboard Air Force Two, on Thursday.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter for The Shelby Independent.