Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Gina Swoboda

Words cannot describe the shock and horror I felt today when I learned of the senseless and tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Charlie was a loving husband, father and a good friend to many in the Republican Party of Arizona.

Charlie was a passionate advocate and defender of the principles of open dialogue, the free exchange of ideas, and free speech. Values which are at the very core of the American idea. I pray that his loss serves as a poignant and lasting reminder to all Americans of how fundamental these values are to who we are as a country and why we must never condone or excuse acts of political violence.

I know that I speak for all Arizona Republicans when I say that our prayers are with his wife Erika, her children, and the entire Kirk family. May God bless Charlie's soul.