National Association of Counties Statement on the Killing of Charlie Kirk

WASHINGTON – In response to the fatal shooting today of Charlie Kirk, National Association of Counties (NACo) President J.D. Clark issued the following statement:

“Our thoughts tonight are with the family of Charlie Kirk following his fatal shooting in Utah.

“Acts of violence targeting prominent figures – elected officials, local leaders, activists and others – are becoming more persistent. They highlight a sobering reality: civility is increasingly strained across our nation.

“Tonight as we grieve this loss of life, we hope for a renewed commitment to unity and peaceful dialogue. Targeting influential individuals as in today’s shooting, or innocent children, as in last week’s shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota, is an unconscionable act of violence. Violence can never be how we resolve our differences here in America, nor how we seek to be heard or seen.

“County leaders call on every level of government – local, state and federal – to respond to this national crisis and condemn this violence. Together, we must reaffirm our shared commitment as a society to respecting one another and choosing the path of civility. The future of our democracy – and the safety of all our residents – depends on it.”