Nebraska political leaders condemn killing of Charlie Kirk
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska’s political leaders issued a swift condemnation Wednesday of the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, decrying political violence in the U.S.
Gov. Jim Pillen said the news was “devastating” for anyone who supports free expression.
“Charlie stood fearlessly, not only for his own beliefs, but for engagement and debate,” he said in a statement. “Indeed, he was doing just that when he died.”
Pillen asked Nebraskans to fly flags at half-staff.
SEE ALSO: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot and killed at Utah college event
Kirk was “participating in the very American act of political dialogue when he was taken from us,” Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts said.
“Political violence is anti-American,” Ricketts said in a statement. “It’s an attack against our very values. It’s an attack on our republic.”
Rep. Mike Flood, also a Republican, urged all Americans to work toward peace.
“We must bring an end to the political violence that seems to be growing in our country,” he said in a statement.
Kirk “will be missed,” said Republican Rep. Don Bacon, who served with Kirk on the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.
“Our country not only protects, but cherishes our freedom of speech, and political violence terribly undermines our Republic,” Bacon said in a statement. “I hope the killer is found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Kirk leaves behind a wife and two young children, and political leaders on both sides of the aisle said they were praying for them.
In a post on X, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said “no family should endure” what they’re going through.
“Political violence is happening across our country sending a terrifying message that who we are risks our lives,” she wrote.
No family should endure the horror that Charlie Kirk’s wife and children now face. Political violence is happening across our country sending a terrifying message that who we are risks our lives. We pray for Charlie Kirk’s family and all victims of gun violence.
— Jane Fleming KleebWe The People (@janekleeb) September 10, 2025
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, a Democrat, called the shooting a “horrific murder.”
“Our democracy depends on our ability to disagree peacefully,” she said.
Kirk was famous for speaking on college campuses and visited the University of Nebraska-Lincoln last September.
The UNL College Republicans said Kirk was a “major contributor” to the conservative movement.
“While Mr. Kirk is no longer with us, he leaves behind an energized conservative movement,” the group said in a statement. “For now, we must mourn this tragedy and remember the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk and pray for his entire family, the conservative movement, and our nation.”
Statement on today’s tragedy: pic.twitter.com/dWhKkKbVt4
— UNL College Republicans (@unlgop) September 10, 2025
The Nebraska Republican Party said everyone who knew Kirk loved him.
“He carried himself with an energy that lifted people up, even in the most difficult times,” the party said in a statement. “College students especially were drawn to him, not just because of his bold ideas, but because he listened to them, encouraged them, and believed in them. He spoke with truth and reason, but he also spoke with kindness and compassion.”
