Charlie Kirk: Some Arizonans mourn slain conservative activist amid political violence worries

PHOENIX - As officials continue to investigate a shooting that killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a university in Utah, reaction to the political figure's death is coming in, from both sides of the political spectrum.

The backstory:

Per the Associated Press, Kirk, who was a close ally of President Donald Trump and played an influential role in rallying young Republican voters, was shot and killed at a Utah college event.

According to AP's report, videos posted to social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans "The American Comeback" and "Prove Me Wrong." A single shot rings out, and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand. Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away.

Read More: Charlie Kirk killed at Utah college event: Arizona leaders react

Retired Secret Service agent weighs in

In the aftermath of Kirk's shooting death, some wonder how the shooter was allowed to get on a rooftop.

We spoke with Frank Boudreaux Jr., a retired Special Agent In Charge with the Secret Service who now works as a security consultant. He said when it comes to outdoor events like that one Kirk was at when he was shot and killed, there are many vulnerabilities to discuss.

What He Said:

"It's really hard to get physical eyes on all the vulnerabilities in an outdoor area. So that's what makes it a lot more difficult than an inside arena, where you can totally control the access. I mean, there's just so many unlimited possibilities of bad things occurring when you go outside. Unless you really have the manpower to lock it down and make it a secure zone," said Boudreaux Jr.

Boudreaux Jr. said future events across the country will need more security details for public figures who are not elected officials.

"Typically, the people that got security were, you know, people that were elected officials or running for office. I think this is going to take it a hard look for people that are in the spotlight, whether they're a high-profile celebrity or an activist, that they need to really take the security precautions to a higher level," said Boudreaux Jr.

Arizonans react to Kirk's shooting death

As news of Kirk's shooting death spread, some laid flowers at the Turning Point USA headquarters, which is located in Phoenix. Kirk founded Turning Point USA.

What Mourners Said:

"He was always about Jesus," said one mourner. "The only thing he done all this for was to lead people to Christ, and he was an incredible inspiration to not only me but thousands of people here throughout the Valley, to millions of people around the world."

"I was in class, read it, and I was like ‘I’m leaving,’" said one student. "I just feel like Charlie Kirk had such a influential his impact on our generation and so many people,,bd I know, some people didn’t support him or whatever. But he did so much and he loved God. He helped spread the gospel, he was a family man, and it's just heartbreaking and even worse that leftists are celebrating his death."

"To see him get killed on the spot for no particular reason, just out of whatever that person‘s intention was, it’s just sickening," said Jaden Grandon, who knew Kirk.

Kirk reportedly served as a mentor of sorts for Grandon, and his death came as a shock to Grandon, who once served as the president of the Turning Point chapter at Cactus Shadows High School.

"There was a light about him, just like an ease," said Grandon. "When you talk to him, he just seemed like he genuinely cared, and he genuinely just loved people."

Grandon is dealing with Kirk's death by leaning on his faith.

"The thing that brings me comfort the most is that I know that he was an advent follower of Christ. I know that his walk with God was very – he seemed like he had a very strong relationship with God, so I am very comfortable with the fact that if he has passed onto the next life that he will be just fine," said Grandon.

To some, Kirk left a complicated legacy

The other side:

Kirk made a name for himself by mobilizing high school and college students to engage in conservative politics. His sharp-witted and cutting debate style had gone viral on social media, but his visits to campuses often drew sharp criticism from faculty and student.

In 2023, there was a petition that targeted his visit to Arizona State University.

"I think that a man that said that some gun death are necessary to keep the 2nd Amendment ate his words in a very hard way, and I think that hopefully this will be something that shows Republicans that we need some gun reform," said one person. "We don’t have to get rid of the 2nd Amendment, but since it's probably hitting them close to home now, hopefully the can have some empathy toward the victims."

Kirk's shooting death raises fears over political violence

Kirk's death has sparked debate over the concerning political climate of this country.

What they're saying:

"There’s so much division that no one can disagree with anyone. Just because you disagree doesn’t give you a reason to shoot him," said one person.

""At what point are you gonna say enough is enough or are we gonna wait for these people to commit these murder and act of violence then put our foot down? How do we stop this before it comes to be, you know?" said Grandon.

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