LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, on Wednesday issued the following statement in response to the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in Utah:
“The events that transpired today in Utah can only be described as horrific. It was an act of terrorism, plain and simple.
“The assassination of Charlie Kirk at the campus of Utah Valley University is yet another violent assault on our American way of life.
“Charlie always emphasized that the minute we stop having discourse, the second we stop sharing ideas with each other, despite our differences, is when we will devolve into violence.
“That’s why he went to college campuses and had discussions with the future of our nation. He wanted to show that ideas should be shared and debated, and that no one should be silenced simply because of what they believed.
“People tried to shame Charlie. They tried to kick him off campuses so he couldn’t speak. And, finally, they tried to silence him permanently. Unfortunately, they did.
“I, as well as most Americans, am overwhelmed with emotions after what we witnessed today. Sadness. Disgust. Anger.
“As a father to young children, my heart is shattered for his wife and babies.
“I call everyone to join in prayer for the well-being of his family, who were robbed of this wonderful man. May God give them the love and strength to make it through this.”
