In a solemn and emotional statement on Wednesday evening, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA founder and dad of two, Charlie Kirk, to be a “political assassination” that strikes at the very heart of American democracy.

“This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation,” Cox said, denouncing the act as an affront to the Founders’ vision that “all men are endowed… with certain inalienable rights. The first one of those is life.”

The Republican governor reminded Americans that Kirk was “first and foremost a husband and a dad to young children,” and that his commitment to free speech was why he was on campus.

Charlie believed in the power of free speech and debate to shape ideas and to persuade people…

— Utah Gov. Spencer Cox

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during a news conference at the state Capitol on Friday, March 3, 2023, in Salt Lake City.  (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Cox, a 50-year-old Utah native, recently secured his second term as governor. As the incumbent, he faced a stiff challenge from Rep. Phil Lyman, who appealed to the hard-right flank of the party. 

Cox publicly endorsed President Donald Trump in July 2024, just weeks after an assassination attempt in Butler, Penn. 

Cox, who had previously criticized Trump’s role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, framed his endorsement as an act of unity.