(The Center Square) – University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said Thursday that Charlie Kirk’s death was a reminder of the importance of “protecting open dialogue on our campuses.”
Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at the Utah Valley University in Orem when he was killed with a single gunshot to the neck. His killer is still at large, the FBI said Thursday afternoon.
Perdue said in a statement that he “deeply believes in the First Amendment.”
“At the University System of Georgia and our 26 public colleges and universities, we will continue to defend academic freedom and free expression, while also ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn in a respectful and safe environment,” he said. “That balance is essential to who we are, and to the future we are helping our students shape.”
Other Georgia officials made statements about Kirk’s killing. House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, issued a resolution.
“Charlie Kirk was a devout man of faith, loving husband, and devoted father. He dedicated his life to sharing truth and encouraging open discourse – regardless of which side of the aisle you came from,” Burns said. “No one was as instrumental in championing the conservative movement among America’s youth, and his legacy will live on through all those he inspired.”
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., called the attack “awful and deeply appalling.”
“I’m praying for him and his family,” Warnock said. “Political violence is never acceptable and we must condemn it in every form.”
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff said shortly after the shooting that he was praying for Kirk’s family.
“I am shocked and horrified by the news Charlie Kirk was shot in Utah and pray for his recovery, as well as the community at Utah Valley University,” Ossoff said. “Political violence is unacceptable.”
Gov. Brian Kemp ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Sunday in honor of Kirk.
“Mr. Kirk was murdered while encouraging college students to be active civic members of their state and nation, something he had done numerous times, including at colleges and universities in this state,” Kemp said in the proclamation. “Mr. Kirk lived out his own encouraging words to ‘leave a legacy and be courageous’ through his strong faith and his ardent belief in the peaceful, civil, and free expression of ideas.”
