Governor Youngkin calls for statewide moment of prayer on September 12 following assassination of Charlie Kirk
Richmond, Virginia – In response to the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder and president of Turning Point USA, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued a heartfelt proclamation urging all Virginians to participate in a statewide moment of prayer and reflection. The observance is set for Friday, September 12, 2025, at noon, as a collective stand against political violence and a call for national unity.
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday, September 10, at 12:20 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time. He was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The 31-year-old conservative activist, known for his passionate advocacy and outreach to young Americans, left behind his wife, Erika, and their two children.
Governor Youngkin opened his statement by offering prayers: “Suzanne and I continue to pray for the soul of Charlie Kirk, and for God to bring all comfort and healing possible to his wife, children, friends, and loved ones.” He condemned the act of violence as “pure evil,” stressing the importance of rejecting violence as a response to political disagreement. “The acceptance of murder or violence as a solution to political disagreements must be rejected, otherwise our Nation’s very soul will suffer irreparable decay.”
Honoring a Life of Faith and Engagement
Charlie Kirk was celebrated not just for his leadership, but for his deep commitment to family, faith, and civic engagement. According to the proclamation, his greatest joy was being a father and husband. He founded Turning Point USA in 2012 to educate and empower students and young citizens with knowledge and values tied to patriotism, liberty, family, and fiscal responsibility.
Governor Youngkin praised Kirk’s efforts to foster civil debate on college campuses and engage with students from diverse political backgrounds. “Mr. Kirk was widely known and praised by political allies and opponents for his commitment to free and open debate,” the Governor stated, highlighting Kirk’s ability to see the humanity in others, even in moments of deep disagreement.
A Legacy Rooted in Virginia’s Ideals
In his statement, Governor Youngkin connected Kirk’s mission to Virginia’s historic role as the cradle of American democracy. He referenced the contributions of Virginia’s Founding Fathers—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and others—who embedded the principles of free speech and civil discourse into the nation’s identity.
“All Virginians, no matter their beliefs or background, are the inheritors of this legacy,” Youngkin stated, urging citizens to stand together in defense of civil debate and against any form of political violence.
A Call to Reflection
In closing, the Governor emphasized the importance of unity in the face of darkness. He reminded Virginians of how the nation came together after the September 11 attacks and called for a similar spirit now. “As we remember the atrocities of September 11, 2001… we must come together again to reject all forms of violence and hold accountable those who refuse to do so.”
Governor Youngkin’s executive proclamation calls upon all Virginians to pause for a moment of solemn prayer and reflection at 12 p.m. on September 12, encouraging them to consider what more they can do to foster a spirit of peace, unity, and respect for life and liberty in their communities.
