Texas politicians react to Charlie Kirk’s death, call for end to political violence

SAN ANTONIO – Local, state and national political figures from both sides of the aisle are remembering conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk after he was shot and killed at a Utah college Wednesday.

Amid the news, many politicians are also posting on social media, calling for an end to political violence.

“Political violence has no place in our society,” said U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio.

“This senseless act of violence has no place in America,” Gov. Greg Abbott said.

State Rep. (and former San Antonio ISD teacher) James Talarico, D-Austin, called for an end to political violence Wednesday during a San Antonio campaign.

“Violence is never the answer,” said U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin. “We must settle our differences with ballots, not bullets.”

“The darkness and violence unleashed against him today, as he worked to share the values of a free America, is gut-wrenching,” said State House Speaker Dustin Burrows.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, described the shooting as “horrific,” and said he and his wife are devastated and heartbroken.

“Charlie Kirk’s murder was an act of unspeakable evil,” Cruz said. “Charlie loved our country deeply, and we will forever remember him.”

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones released this statement on Wednesday;

“In the land of the free and home of the brave, no one should fear violence, in any form, for expressing their First Amendment rights. My thoughts are with the family that Charlie Kirk leaves behind.”

Read the latest on KSAT:

• Charlie Kirk has died after being shot at an event in Utah
• What to know: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk is fatally shot in Utah
• Who is Charlie Kirk? Turning Point founder was a key figure in building support for Republicans among young people