By Sydney Byerly
The Indiana Citizen
September 10, 2025
Indiana politicians across the political spectrum denounced political violence Wednesday after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, with many Republicans describing the populist ally of President Donald Trump as an influential figure.
U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, one of Kirk’s closest allies in Indiana, said Kirk was “one of the most influential leaders in the conservative movement” and “a warrior and a friend.”
“He inspired so many students with open and honest dialogue on college campuses across the country,” said Banks, a Republican. “There is no place for political violence in the United States of America. Amanda and I are praying for his wife, children, and the millions of Americans impacted by this horrific assassination.”
Kirk, 31, dropped out of college in 2012 to co-found Turning Point USA. He built a massive social media following through events on college campuses that often led to viral moments. Kirk had been scheduled to appear Oct. 21 at Indiana University Bloomington as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” Kirk appeared at Purdue University in April.
Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon while speaking at Utah Valley University. Kirk was answering audience questions under a tent when a bullet struck him in the neck.
Kirk’s death also rapidly reverberated nationwide. Kirk was hailed by President Donald Trump on Truth Social as “Great, and even Legendary.”
Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, posted urgent requests for prayers for Kirk. Beckwith has a long history with Kirk, and his organization Turning Point USA; he has attended and hosted Kirk or other leaders with Turning Point USA for years.
Beckwith wrote on X that he and his wife “lost a dear friend” Wednesday. He posted a photo of himself and Kirk with their wives.
He said Kirk “now joins the company” of slain American figures like Revolutionary War spy Nathan Hale, Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy and Civil Rights Movement icon Martin Luther King Jr. – “heroes who gave their lives for liberty and righteousness.”
“This moment will be remembered as a turning point for America,” Beckwith said.
Kirk’s killing comes amid heightened concerns over political violence in the United States, following several recent high-profile attacks. Earlier this year, a Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker and her husband were assassinated in their home, and Trump survived two attempts on his life during the 2024 campaign.
U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, called the shooting “a dark day for America.”
“Political violence is abhorrent and unacceptable. We must come together and ensure such actions have no place in our country,” Young said.
U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Indiana, wrote that Kirk “spoke truth into the world and always believed that honest conversation, not heinous actions were the way to solve political differences.”
U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Indiana, noted Kirk had just encouraged students to pursue faith “minutes before his passing.”
Gov. Mike Braun, Attorney General Todd Rokita, and Secretary of State Diego Morales emphasized Kirk’s role as a husband and father as well as his impact on young conservatives.
Democrats also spoke out against the attack. U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, D-Indiana, said “Political violence is never ok and must be stopped,” adding his condolences for Kirk’s young children. U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Indiana, urged Americans to move forward “with peace as a nation.”
The Indiana Democratic Party issued a statement on X denouncing political violence in response to the shooting. “We strongly oppose political violence in all forms and in every part of our nation. No one should ever have to fear for their safety while exercising their First Amendment rights,” the party said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie and his family during this difficult time.”
Sydney Byerly is a political reporter who grew up in New Albany, Indiana. Before joining The Citizen, Sydney reported news for TheStatehouseFile.com and most recently managed and edited The Corydon Democrat & Clarion News in southern Indiana. She earned her bachelor’s in journalism at Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism (‘Sco Griz!).
The Indiana Citizen is a nonpartisan, nonprofit platform dedicated to increasing the number of informed and engaged Hoosier citizens. We are operated by the Indiana Citizen Education Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. For questions about the story, contact Marilyn Odendahl at marilyn.odendahl@indianacitizen.org.
