Iowa political leaders offer prayers for fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk

Iowa political leaders are offering their prayers after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot Sept. 10 while speaking at a college campus in Utah.

Kirk, 31, was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when he was shot in the neck during a question-and-answer session with students.

President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social following reports of the shooting. "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!" Trump said.

Later in the day, Trump announced in another Truth Social post that Kirk has died.

Kirk, who founded the conservative group Turning Point USA, had spoken in Iowa in the past, including a visit to the University of Iowa's campus in 2019.

Iowa politicians are also offering their prayers to Kirk and his family. Here's what they're saying.

Gov. Kim Reynolds

"Horrific news from Utah Valley University," Gov. Kim Reynolds wrote on social media. "Kevin and I are praying for Charlie Kirk and his family."

Reynolds shared her condolences with Kirk's family following the news of his death.

"It is with heavy hearts that Kevin and I share our deepest condolences with the family of Charlie Kirk," she said. "Charlie was beloved by many for standing up for conservative values and inviting constructive debate and dialogue among young Americans. Political violence has no place in this country."

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley

"Pls join me in praying for Charlie Kirk," U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley wrote on social media.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst

"Pray for Charlie Kirk!" U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst wrote on social media.

Following Kirk's death, Ernst wrote that "political violence has no place in our country."

"I’m heartbroken to see a young father taken from his family far too soon," she said. "This never should have happened. May Charlie Kirk rest in peace."

U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

"Please join me in praying for @charliekirk11 and his family," U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks wrote on social media.

In a post after Kirk's death, Miller-Meeks called Kirk "a patriot who loved his country."

"Today, a loving wife lost her husband, two beautiful children lost a loving father, and our country lost one of its strongest voices," she said. "Charlie was a patriot who loved his country and led with dignity and faith. His passion for open dialogue and his commitment to America’s future inspired millions.

"This horrific act of political violence is not only an attack on Charlie, but on the very principles of free speech and democracy. This attack is heartbreaking, and political violence is unacceptable. We grieve with his family, his friends, and all who looked to him for leadership and truth. May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his legacy by rejecting hate and recommitting ourselves to civility and peace."

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson

"This is terrifying," U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is running for U.S. Senate, wrote on social media. "Please join Matt and me in praying for Charlie Kirk and all attendees at his event today in Utah as we wait for more information."

After the news of Kirk's death broke, Hinson wrote that she was "heartbroken."

"After today’s horrific shooting, I was praying for a miracle and am heartbroken that Charlie Kirk has passed away," she said. "Charlie was passionate & charismatic, dedicating his life to engaging with young people. I am devastated for his wife, Erika, and two children, and will be keeping them in my prayers & close to my heart as they grieve. There is no place for political violence in America. This has to stop — now."

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn

"Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk, his family, and the students gathered in Utah Valley," U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn posted online. "Political violence has no place in America."

Following Kirk's death, Nunn wrote: "Charlie Kirk's death is an assassination of America's First Amendment Rights."

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra

"Please pray for Charlie Kirk and his family," U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who is running for governor, wrote on social media.

Feenstra shared another post following news of Kirk's death.

"May Charlie Kirk rest in peace and may God comfort his family and loved ones," he said.

Attorney General Brenna Bird

"Bob and I are praying for Charlie Kirk and his family as we await updates from this terrible tragedy," Attorney General Brenna Bird wrote on social media.

"My heart breaks for Erika Kirk and her children," Bird wrote in another post following the news of Kirk's death. "Please join me and Bob in prayer for Charlie’s family and our country."

Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann

"I ask everyone to join me in praying for Charlie Kirk's family and everyone affected by his passing," Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann said in a statement. "Political violence has no place in our country ― ever."

"In America, we settle our differences at the ballot box, not through threats or violence. It's time to lower the temperature and come together as Americans to unequivocally condemn any and all forms of political violence."

Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Andrews

"Charlie Kirk has been shot! This evil must stop!" Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Andrews posted on social media.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Brad Sherman

"Today’s act of violence committed against Charlie Kirk is a chilling and despicable act that we must all condemn in the strongest terms," Republican gubernatorial candidate Brad Sherman said in a statement. "Please join Carole and me in praying for Charlie and for the entire beautiful Kirk family. We are praying for a miracle."

Sherman issued a second statement following Kirk's death, quoting Scripture.

"We continue in a state of disbelief and disgust at the despicable act that took his life," he said. "Charlie was a patriot and a powerful voice for Jesus Christ, who is the only real answer for the evil in this world. Make no mistake, we are in a spiritual war, good against evil. But let the powers of darkness be informed, Charlie’s passing will not silence him. His legacy will continue to speak louder and louder through the thousands upon thousands that he touched while on this earth. We are not defeated, we are winning. As painful as it is, let us remember: '… in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (Romans 8:37–39)"

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Bousselot

"Charlie Kirk was a voice for our times and our country," Mike Bousselot, who is exploring a run for governor, wrote on social media. "His murder has shocked me to my core. May God bless him and keep him and his wife and children left behind."

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jim Carlin

"Media reports indicate Charlie Kirk was shot this afternoon at an event at Utah Valley University. Please join me and Donna in praying for Charlie and his family during this time," Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jim Carlin wrote on social media.

Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer

"Praying for Charlie Kirk and his family," Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer wrote on social media. "Political violence has no place in our country."

State Auditor Rob Sand

State Auditor Rob Sand, a Democrat who is running for governor, wrote on Facebook that he is "disgusted" by political violence around the country.

"Whether it was the assassinations in Minnesota earlier this summer or the shooting today, I'm disgusted by the escalation of political violence across our country," he wrote. "This cannot be the new norm. We must come together to reform the broken political system that has brought us here."

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls

"Praying for Charlie Kirk and his family," Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls posted online. "Political violence has no place in our country — it is wrong, dangerous, and must be condemned without hesitation."

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek

"My prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family," Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek wrote on social media. "I denounce political violence in all forms ― violence is never acceptable in our political system."

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jackie Norris

"Political violence is never the answer, and we must condemn disgusting acts like these in the strongest terms," Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jackie Norris posted online. "My prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family."

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Nathan Sage

"The news coming out of Utah is absolutely horrible," Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Nathan Sage wrote on social media. "Political violence is a cowardly act. Regardless of our differences, no one should ever be attacked for their beliefs. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family right now."

The Iowa Democratic Party

"The news coming out of Utah that Charlie Kirk was shot while at a college event is appalling," the Iowa Democratic Party wrote on social media. "Political violence has no place in our country."

Democratic 3rd Congressional District candidate Sarah Trone Garriott

"My prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his loved ones," Democratic 3rd Congressional District candidate Sarah Trone Garriott wrote on social media. "Violence is never the answer. We must reject political violence in all forms and choose compassion, peace, and the hard work of democracy instead."

Democratic 3rd Congressional District candidate Jennifer Konfrst

"Political violence has absolutely no place in our country, and it must be condemned in all forms," Democratic 3rd Congressional District candidate Jennifer Konfrst wrote on social media. "I am heartbroken with the news out of Utah today, and am praying for Charlie Kirk’s family."

Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate Charlie McClintock

"Our thoughts & prayers go out for Charlie Kirk, his family and friends," Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate Charlie McClintock wrote on Facebook. "A senseless tragedy."

Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate Joe Mitchell

"RIP my friend," Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate Joe Mitchell wrote on social media. "We will never forget you or what you fought for. We still fight for it."

Democratic 2nd Congressional District candidate Clint Twedt-Ball

"Our hearts should break whenever we lose someone to a senseless act of violence," Democratic 2nd Congressional District candidate Clint Twedt-Ball wrote on Facebook. "I am praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and friends. Violence has absolutely no place in our democracy."

Democratic 2nd Congressional District candidate Lindsay James

"Political violence is a vicious circle that destroys us all, and has no place in our country," Democratic 2nd Congressional District candidate Lindsay James wrote on social media. "Hearing the news of Charlie Kirk’s passing is heartbreaking. Sending prayer for the Kirk family and for our country as we grieve under yet another devastating act of violence."