Turning Point USA has confirmed to The Associated Press that Charlie Kirk, the organization’s CEO, was shot at an event at a Utah college.

Kirk lives in Arizona but also has a vacation home on the Gulf Coast in Southwest Florida. Turning Point is known for reaching out to college age groups, and Kirk has developed strong connections with several Florida leaders.

“Ann and I are horrified to hear our good friend, Charlie Kirk, was shot at Utah Valley University,” posted U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a Naples Republican. “Charlie is a patriot who loves his country. I ask every American to join me in praying for him, his family, and every student gathered there.

U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna worked at Turning Point USA as a director before running for office. The Pinellas Republican said she was closely following the situation.

“I would not be here if Charlie Kirk had not gotten me involved,” Luna posted on X. “I am asking everyone in the country right now to pray for him and his family. We are praying that he pulls through this. Charlie was shot at an event where he was speaking out against trans shooting violence.”

Even critics of Kirk condemned violence against the conservative leader.

“The scourge of gun and political violence in this nation is a moral and political failure. I hope that Charlie Kirk and all the students are okay,” posted Rep. Maxwell Frost, an Orlando Democrat. “This is nothing short of horrific. Charlie Kirk, UVU students, and every single person deserves to be safe from gun violence no matter where they are in our country or what their political beliefs are.”

Other political leaders quickly weighed in as well.

Gov. Ron DeSantis posted: “I’ve been briefed on the shooting in Utah. Casey and I are praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.”

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, a Plant City Republican, posted: “My office is monitoring the situation at Utah Valley University. I pray for Charlie Kirk, the students, and this nation. Justin and I, along with so many across this nation, are praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.”

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican, posted: “Please join Sandy and I in praying for Charlie, his family and all who love him during this difficult time. This kind of political violence will not be tolerated.”

U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, a Gainesville Republican, posted: “Lifting up Charlie Kirk and his family in prayer — for healing, strength, and justice.”

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, posted: “Political violence has no place in the United States. These senseless attacks are wrong, no matter your political party.   I am thinking of Charlie Kirk and his family during this time.”

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican, posted: “Erika Donalds and I are praying for Charlie Kirk and his wife Erika. Charlie Kirk is an American Patriot. He did not deserve this heinous act. NOBODY DOES.”

U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, a Panama City Republican, posted: “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk.”

U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, an Atlantic Coast Republican, posted: “Praying for Charlie Kirk. Unthinkable that this is happening in America.”

U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, posted: “We pray for Charlie Kirk, his wife and their family as we await updates on his condition.”

U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez, a Miami-Dade Republican, posted: “Lourdes and I are shocked by the horrific events at Utah Valley University and are praying for Charlie Kirk. Political violence has absolutely no place in America.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, an Indian Harbour Beach Republican, posted: “Praying for Charlie Kirk.”

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, a Stuart Republican, posted: “Pray for Charlie Kirk. Political Violence has no place in America.”

U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican, posted: “My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family after the horrific news. We are monitoring closely and our office staying in prayer.”

U.S, Rep. Jimmy Patronis, a Fort Walton Beach Republican, posted: “My hope is the same angel that protected President (Donald) Trump was with Charlie too. Everyone pray for Charlie Kirk.”

U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Jacksonville Republican, posted: “What a senseless and horrible act. I am praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.”

U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican, posted: “I am shocked and horrified by the news of Charlie Kirk being shot and I am praying for him and his family.”

U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, posted: “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk. We command miraculous healing on his body in Jesus name and we stand, as a nation, against this work of the enemy. Charlie is a patriot whose contributions and impact on the America First movement have impacted countless students and young people. We command the Lord’s angels be upon him and with his medical team.”

U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, a Clermont Republican, posted: “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.”

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins posted: “Layla Collins and I are praying for Charlie Kirk after this horrific attack. Violence has no place in our nation, and those responsible must be held accountable.”

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier posted: “Leftist violence is out of control. Jean and I are praying for Charlie, one of the great conservative leaders of our generation.”

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia posted: “Charlie Kirk is a remarkable and genuine voice for the conservative movement. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family after this senseless shooting.”

Agriculture Commissioner WIlton Simpson posted: “Praying for Charlie and his family.”

State Sen. Jason Brodeur, a Sanford Republican, posted: “We are all shocked by the horrific attack on Charlie Kirk. Praying for him and his family.”

State Sen. Danny Burgess, a Zephyrhills Republican, posted: “This is a human being – a young father and husband. Charlie challenged us to engage in civil discourse, not violence. Everyone’s hearts should be broken right now for this beautiful family.”

State Sen. Nick DiCeglie, a Pinellas Republican, posted: “Our heartfelt prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family. This is senseless.”

State Sen. Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican and Republican National Committee Chair, posted: “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk.”

State Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Miami Gardens Democrat, posted: “What happened to Charlie Kirk is not ok. Political violence is never the answer. We can fight hard on the issues without threatening people’s lives.”

State Sen. Debbie Mayfield, an Indiatlantic Republican, posted: “Please join me in praying for Charlie and his family.”

State Sen. Jay Trumbull, a Panama City Republican, posted: “Today, I join millions in prayer for Charlie Kirk, his family, and our country. Prayer is powerful—but so too is our duty to preserve a nation where debate is embraced and violence is never tolerated.”

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a Republican and past presidential candidate, posted: “Our city is praying for Charlie Kirk, and I call on every American to do the same. We cannot allow politics to lead us to violence. This is not America.”

Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican, posted: “Praying for Charlie Kirk with all I have.”

The Florida Dmeocratic Party posted: “We are deeply disturbed by the news of the attack on Charlie Kirk. Violence has NO place in our politics. We are keeping him and his loved ones in our prayers.”

The Republican Party of Florida posted: “A tragic day in America. Our prayers are with Charlie Kirk, his family, and Turning Point USA. Charlie has inspired millions of young minds, spreading truth and building the largest conservative movement of our time. This violence, fueled by the Left’s dangerous rhetoric, must end.”

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