ATLANTA — Georgia political leaders are reacting to the deadly shooting of Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday at a Utah college event where he was a guest speaker.
Once hearing the news of his death, Channel 2’s Richard Elliot reached out to several political leaders here in Georgia.
Both sides, Republican and Democrat, joined together in condemning the violence, calling it an attack on democracy, and both sides said they hope this will lead to tamping down of fiery rhetoric.
In a statement, Gov. Brian Kemp said Republican governors across the country were devastated by the news.
“Charlie recently said, ‘Leave a legacy and be courageous,’ and that’s exactly what he did. Charlie was a true American patriot who started a movement all across America that brought young people into the public square like we haven’t seen in decades. His passion for our nation, for free speech, and for vigorous debate was evident in everything he did and every cause he touched.
“We Republican governors join millions of Americans in mourning Charlie’s death, and our strongest prayers are with his wife Erika and their young children. Charlie taught young people to not only love their country, but to also prioritize faith and family — and that’s how he lived his life.
“Charlie’s horrific assassination is nothing short of evil. Political violence is never the answer, and it must stop. Charlie demonstrated how to debate our differences — through words and through action. His passing leaves a gigantic void in our national dialogue.”
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Democratic State Sen. Elena Parent condemned the attack.
“I’m devastated by today’s news of Charlie Kirk’s sudden death at an appearance at a college campus. I mean, look, like any act of political violence is abhorrent and is a direct attack on democracy,” Parent said.
“I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah,” former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on X. “Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.”
Republican state Sen. John Albers joined Parent’s sentiments.
“I’m saddened and I’m outraged. I had the occasion to meet Charlie a couple of times. He was a brilliant young man. He brought truth to light, and he was assassinated by folks who are intolerant, who are violent, and have no place in our society,” Albers said.
Albers was the victim of political violence himself. A year and a half ago, he was swatted twice in his home, once the day after Christmas.
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