‘God, please help us’: Virginia leaders react to killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk

The above video features a 6:30 p.m. presser, hosted by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, providing updates on the killing of Charlie Kirk.

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia leaders are reacting to the shocking news that Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer and co-founder of a national organization for conservative youth, was shot and killed on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Sept. 10, 31-year-old Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah during an event for his organization, Turning Point USA, when he was shot in the neck.

Kirk was initially reported to be at a local hospital in critical condition. However, Turning Point USA has since announced his death.

"It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gun shot that took place during Turning Point USA’s 'The American Comeback Tour' campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10th, 2025," the organization said. "May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity in this time."

MORE: Conservative Charlie Kirk dead after being shot during Utah event

A potential suspect was taken into custody early on, but authorities have since determined that they are not the shooter. As of the time of reporting, the shooter remains at large -- however, authorities do not believe there to be a threat to the community, as the attack on Kirk is thought to have been targeted.

"To whoever did this: we will find you, we will try you and we will hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law," said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox during a presser Wednesday evening. "And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty in the state of Utah."

Kirk was set to speak at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg as part of The American Comeback Tour on Wednesday, Sept. 24. He was also meant to visit Liberty University in Lynchburg that same day as part of its Fall 2025 Convocation schedule.

Virginia leaders are sharing their reactions to this news. 8News will continue to update this article as statements are released.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin

In a post on X, Gov. Glenn Youngkin shared the following statement:

"Suzanne and I are stunned and grief-stricken by the brutal murder of Charlie Kirk today. We are praying for his beautiful wife and young family. Their anguish can only be healed by the Lord. While the promise of the Lord is that God welcomed Charlie Kirk to Heaven with the words 'Well done, my good and faithful servant,' we mourn together. May the peace of the Lord be with Charlie’s family."

Later Wednesday evening, Youngkin ordered that all Virginia and American flags at local and state buildings be immediately lowered to half-staff in memory and respect of Kirk. They are to remain that way until sunset on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Attorney General Jason Miyares

In a post on X, Attorney General Jason Miyares shared the following statement:

"I am horrified and deeply troubled by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. What unites us as Americans is far greater than what divides us. Disagreement should be the beginning of civil discourse, not its end. To equivocate on political violence is to justify it. We each have a duty to denounce violence and fanaticism wherever it appears.

I am confident Utah law enforcement, with their federal partners, will bring this cold-blooded assassin to justice. I pray for the safety of every officer and for swift answers.

Above all, I pray for Charlie Kirk’s family. May God grant unyielding strength to his wife and children."

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears

In a post on X, current lieutenant governor and Republican candidate for governor Winsome Earle-Sears shared the following statement:

"Please keep Charlie Kirk in your prayers. He’s a husband, a young father and someone who cares deeply about our country. Praying for him and his family."

Following the news that Kirk had died, Earle-Sears posted a video to X, in which she was visibly upset. She described it as a raw depiction of her shock and grief.

"He's got three young children," she said, in part. "This is not how it's supposed to be. I just don't know what to say. God, please help us to figure [out] a way ... how to get along. How to talk to each other. How to disagree without being disagreeable. How to care."

Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger

In a post on X, former Congresswoman and Democratic candidate for governor Abigail Spanberger shared the following statement:

"I am horrified by the assassination of Charlie Kirk today. Adam and I are praying for his family and the entire Utah Valley University community who witnessed this horrific act. Political violence has absolutely no place in this country. This violent criminal must be found and brought to justice."

State Sen. Tim Kaine

In a post on X, state Sen. Tim Kaine (D) shared the following statement:

"I was horrified to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot at a campus in Utah today and am praying for him, his family, the University and our country."

Republican candidate for lieutenant governor John Reid

In a post on X, former radio host and Republican candidate for lieutenant governor John Reid shared the following statement:

"I am simultaneously heartbroken and enraged by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was a young and fearless voice for conservative values and a tireless advocate for the next generation of American leaders. His loss is devastating but his legacy is just being revealed. My prayers are with his family, friends, and the many young people whose minds he challenged and whose lives he touched.

In moments like this, grief is heavy — but we cannot allow violence to be met with more violence or allow fear to silence our conviction. We honor Charlie’s memory not by shrinking back, but by standing even taller for the principles he dedicated his life to. Evil will never win.

We are working to save Virginia from being engulfed in this type of devastating violence and political hostility and to stop what feels like immense cultural decline.

Personally, I will not stop today, or tomorrow, or ever.

We will keep standing up for faith, for freedom, and for the future of our Commonwealth and our country."

Sen. Ghazala Hashmi

In a post on X, current senator and Democratic candidate for Virginia lieutenant governor Ghazala Hashmi (D-Chesterfield) shared the following statement:

"The violent attack on Charlie Kirk is unacceptable. Political violence has no place in our country."

Following the news that Kirk had died, Hashmi shared further comment on X:

"My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children at this troubling moment."

State Rep. John McGuire

In a post on X, state Rep. John McGuire (R-VA5) shared the following statement:

"A young life was taken from this world today. Charlie Kirk was a devoted father, husband, and Christian who deeply loved our nation and the American people. He believed dialogue could always prevail, standing for civil discourse over violence. His rhetoric was 2nd to none in capturing the hearts and minds of young republicans. Charlie, the impact you left on this world resonates with an entire generation. 

Tracy and I extend our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to your family."

Former delegate Jay Jones

In a post on X, former delegate and current Democratic candidate for Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones shared the following statement:

"I'm horrified to hear the news that Charlie Kirk was shot. This is a disturbing act of violence that has no place in our communities. No matter who you are or what you believe, we must protect the freedom to speak, debate and disagree without fear. I'm praying for Charlie and his family today."

Following the news that Kirk had died, Jones shared further comment on X:

"Mavis and I are heartbroken to hear of Charlie Kirk's passing. Our sincerest condolences are with his wife, children, and loved ones. We have faith that Utah police will bring this violent criminal to justice."

State Sen. Mark Warner

In a post on X, state Sen. Mark Warner (D) shared the following statement:

"Political violence has no place in a just society. This horrible violence at Utah Valley University is incredibly tragic, unacceptable, and should be universally condemned – my thoughts are with the Kirk family."

State Rep. Ben Cline

In a post on X, state Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA6) shared the following statement:

"My prayers are with Charlie Kirk, his wife and family. Please join me in praying for his safety and for all those in attendance at today’s Utah Valley University event."

Following the news that Kirk had died, Cline shared further comment on X:

"Charlie Kirk was a loving husband and father who inspired a new generation of young Americans to love their country. May he rest in peace."

State Rep. Bobby Scott

In a post on X, state Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA3) shared the following statement:

"The attack on Charlie Kirk is reprehensible. Political violence is never acceptable or justified under any circumstances."

State Rep. Jen Kiggans

In a post on X, state Rep. Jen Kiggans (V-VA2) shared the following statement:

"I am praying for Charlie Kirk. This disgusting act of violence is abhorrent, and the individual responsible must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Political violence is absolutely unacceptable."