PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Some local lawmakers are devastated after conservative media giant Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a public event.
On Wednesday, Kirk was speaking and debating students at Utah Valley University, where he was shot either in the chest or neck. He was brought to the hospital in critical condition. Shortly after, he passed away
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood in a statement on Facebook said, “The rise in political violence across our country is abhorrent. This vile attack on Charlie Kirk must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and justice must be served.”
LaHood also said the country needs to hold itself to a “higher standard and work to ease the political tensions that have embroiled this nation.”
State Representative Travis Weaver was in his living room when he heard the news. The Republican said the news was a gut punch.
“My heart goes out to his wife, Erika,” he said. “He’s got two young kids, he’s got a mom and a dad. Just like if anything happened to anybody in your family, it’s tough.”
Kirk traveled to Illinois State University this year, where he debated with students about conservative issues and beliefs.
Some Democrats have also spoken out against the shooting.
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen in a statement said, “I’m shocked at the political violence that took place in Utah today. My thoughts are with Mr. Kirk and his family. No matter our politics, everyone deserves to be safe. Violence is never the answer to political difference.”
Political violence is on the rise, after a shooting last year aimed at Trump during the campaign, and a shooting in Minnesota that killed two state Democrat lawmakers.
Even with potential dangers, Weaver said Republicans won’t be stopped.
“I’m taking Charlie’s lead,” he said. “Charlie said that courage and cowardice are both contagious. It’s up to you which one you ought to pass. And I’m not going to back down.”
“We’re not going to cower,” Weaver said. “We’re going to fight to make sure that Charlie’s life has a good legacy, the legacy that he deserves.”
Republican state Representative Ryan Spain also spoke out against the shooting. He said “Violence is never the answer to political differences.”
Illinois State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth called the death a tragedy and said people should never lose their lives over an opinion.
“In a democracy, we debate, we don’t destroy, and if we can’t protect that principle, we risk losing the very soul of America,” Gordon-Booth said.
The incident is still under investigation at this time.
