- Utah lawmakers honored the late Charlie Kirk on the House and Senate floors.
- Rep. Nicholeen Peck expressed condolences to Kirk's widow, praising his civic engagement.
- Sen. Dan McCay credited Kirk for inspiring youth participation.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah lawmakers paid tribute to Charlie Kirk on the House and Senate floors Monday, recognizing members of the state's Turning Point USA chapters and offering condolences to the slain conservative activist's widow.
Kirk was shot and killed on Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking to a group of students on the campus of Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, 22, of Washington County, was arrested and charged with capital murder.
During a brief speech in the House of Representatives, Rep. Nicholeen Peck, R-Tooele, became emotional as she addressed Kirk's widow, who was not in attendance for the citation. Legislative sources told KSL it was "always the plan" for Turning Point USA chapter members to accept the honor on behalf of Kirk's family.
"With all somberness, I would like to express on behalf of the state of Utah — Erika, we are sorry," Peck said. "We are so sorry for your loss, and we are sorry for what happened here in this state. But we are changed for it."
Peck called Kirk's killing "malicious, violent, premeditated murder (that) took the life of a patriot."
"He promoted the American dream. He promoted working hard, having family, making a difference. No matter what side of a debate that people were on, they came to talk, to listen, to participate," said Peck. "Charlie Kirk lent his microphone to the world."
House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, added his thoughts before the House offered a standing ovation.
"Such a tragic event that happened here in Utah in our own UVU campus, a state institution," Schultz said. "What we saw happen there certainly isn't and doesn't reflect the great citizens of this state."
"I am deeply sorry for the loss felt by the family of Charlie Kirk. Political violence has no place in our state or our country. I condemn all acts of political violence, regardless of ideology or affiliation," House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, said in a statement. "That stance applies not only to Mr. Kirk, but also the assassination of my friend Minnesota Democratic Rep. Mellissa Hortman and her husband. Violence has no place in our democracy, and we will continue to reject it in all forms."
Romero referenced the former Minnesota House speaker and her husband, Mark, who were killed in their home last June by a gunman posing as a police officer.
Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, spoke about Kirk on the Senate floor, crediting him and the organization he helped found, Turning Point USA, for allaying his fears that younger generations are growing disengaged from the civic process.
"I'm not worried anymore," he said, "and I think, in large part, we have people like Charlie Kirk and his organization to thank for that."
McCay expressed his condolences to Kirk's widow and recognized dozens of Turning Point members from Utah who were in the Senate gallery.
"It doesn't matter, in my opinion, left or right, where people are on their opinions, but I don't believe that we should ever be engaging in violence," McCay said. "There's a part of me that is deeply saddened that that happened in Utah, and it probably negatively impacts a lot of people. … I just want to thank those who are here today to honor his legacy."
Senators observed a brief moment of silence in honor of Kirk, and Sen. Wayne Harper, R-Taylorsville — who was presiding over the chamber — said such an incident should "never happen."
"That's not who we are and how we treat each other," he said.
Monday's prayer in the Senate was offered by outgoing UVU President Astrid Tuminez and UVU student body President Kyle Cullimore. Tuminez's own life has been marked by tragedy recently. Her husband died unexpectedly early last year.
Caleb Chilcutt, president of UVU's Turning Point USA chapter, was also at the Capitol for Monday's events.
