Rhode Island Young Republicans and Young Democrats issue joint statement on the murder of Charlie Kirk

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In the wake of the murder of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk, the Rhode Island Young Republicans and Rhode Island Young Democrats have come together in a moment of unity to express their shared grief and call for a renewed commitment to civility, compassion, and respect.

In a joint statement, the two organizations said:  

“The tragic death of Charlie Kirk is a painful reminder that political violence has no place in our society. I stand next to the RI Young Democrats to send a clear message: we may disagree on policy, but we are united in our belief in the value of life, civil discourse, and mutual respect. Let us honor Charlie’s memory by working together to create a safer and more compassionate political culture,” said Ken Naylor, Chairman of the RI Young Republicans. 

“We condemn all political violence as young leaders, democratic, republican, and independent we must take the mantle and make political nonviolence our pledge. We have to understand that when our dialogue becomes toxic it has unimaginable consequences as we have seen today. We are friends and neighbors first, and we need to treat each other as such. We send our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family and friends.”said Anthony Cherry, Vice President, RI Young Democrats of RI. 

“The Rhode Island Young Republicans and Young Democrats jointly condemn all forms of political violence.”

This comes the day after conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated Wednesday evening while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Authorities say Kirk, 31, was struck by a single bullet to the neck while on stage in front of a crowd of about 3,000 people. Police believe the shot came from a rooftop near the venue and have recovered a suspected rifle.

A person of interest was briefly detained but later released. The shooter remains at large.

Kirk, a prominent right-wing commentator and organizer, was in Utah as part of his “American Comeback Tour.”

The FBI and local police are continuing the investigation.