Minnesota Republicans are mourning the death of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, while criticizing Democratic leaders for how they reacted. 

A shooter shot and killed Charlie Kirk last Wednesday while he spoke at a Utah Valley University campus event. The shooter is in custody as investigators continue their work.

“I am heartbroken. I was not a close follower, but I am just shattered by this,” said Minneapolis GOP chair emeritus Shawn Holster. 

Holster said he sees the news as “a very dark time,” adding that he was particularly upset with how DFL Party officials addressed Kirk’s death.

“I am sickened by the reaction,” Holster said. “They’re using this as an opportunity to paint us in an uglier light. It’s completely inappropriate, misleading and gaslighting.”

The Minnesota House overwhelmingly passed a resolution honoring Kirk’s death Friday morning, but half of the present Democrats voted against or abstained, according to the Star Tribune. Some Democrats said they felt Kirk’s death had been politicized to elevate views they disagree with, according to the Tribune. 

Kirk, who built a controversial reputation on college campuses by promoting conservative values, was remembered as someone who fostered open discourse, according to Holster.

“He was a champion of free speech and debate,” Holster said. “The idea that he was shot for it is sick and sad.”

While there are no immediate plans for a Minnesota-based memorial, he said supporters have been encouraged to mourn privately. 

“We are not using this as a fundraising opportunity or seizing upon this in any way, because that’s inappropriate,” Holster said.

Holster urged Americans to respond with unity rather than division. 

“We should come together in the name of love, which was Charlie’s message,” he said. “Not castigate, not react violently, not succumb to our lesser selves but be better humans going forward.”

Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash on X called Kirk a husband, father and dedicated leader for conservatives across the nation. 

“The horrific violence at Utah Valley University that took Charlie’s life is shocking and unacceptable,” Plechash said on X. “On behalf of Republicans across Minnesota, we extend our deepest prayers and condolences to his wife, children, loved ones, and the countless supporters he impacted.”

Plechash called on Republicans and Democrats to unite against the violence and said honoring Kirk means continuing his work without fear.

Plechash urged unity across party lines in the statement on X: “Republicans and Democrats alike must stand together in condemning this senseless act of brutality. America is stronger when we uphold our values without fear, and we honor Charlie’s legacy by continuing the work he so passionately carried forward.”

Despite the tragedy, Holster said the GOP would not be deterred. “We are not going to be cowed. We are not going to change our focus or our message,” he said. “This was straight-up evil and a senseless loss of life.”

Minneapolis pastor Doug Donley said he has not seen a shift in church attendance since Kirk’s assassination. Donley noted the community continues to be traumatized by ongoing violence in Minnesota.

“Each new killing kind of re-traumatizes the community,” Donley said. “I find myself dealing with a lot of the retraumatizing that these senseless killings continue to bring up for people.”

Donley said he holds sympathy for Kirk’s family and supporters while also criticizing some of the late activist’s rhetoric.

“I’m very sorry that he was killed. Nobody should have to fear for their life, and nobody should be gunned down,” Donley said. “I do believe that he had racist beliefs. It doesn’t take a whole lot of internet savvy to find quotes where he disparaged people of color and people who were not cisgender white people.”

Kirk’s rejection of empathy as a Christian virtue, the pastor added, was especially concerning.

“Empathy is what we really need right now,” Donley said. “Especially for our trans friends, who have been targeted in really dangerous ways.”

Donley described Kirk’s campus presence not as preaching but as a form of agitation.

“He was very good at polarizing, and we are in a polarized time,” Donley said. “He both benefited from that and fed that.”

Kirk has been referred to as a Christian martyr by some conservatives, but Donley said he disagreed.

“The term martyr is a loaded term. I would not call him a Christian martyr,” Donley said. “People are using his death for political gain, and I think that’s a dangerous road to go down.”