East Texas leaders post reactions to fatal Charlie Kirk shooting

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Well-known conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was killed by an unknown shooter during his speaking event on Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

A man was initially taken into custody and believed to be the shooter, but it was determined he was not connected to the crime.

Leaders from across Texas, including East Texas, have taken to social media to express their sympathy for his family and concern for the nation.

Gov. Greg Abbott expressed his and his wife Cecilia’s heartbreak over his death.

Rep. Jay Dean shared on his Facebook page that a strong opinion should never be a death sentence in a free country.

He shared a post by Pres. Trump and Vice Pres. JD Vance, as well, expressing prayers and sympathies for Kirk’s young family.

Sen. Bryan Hughes of Mineola said he and his wife Leyla are praying for Kirk.

Congressman Nathaniel Moran also shared Pres. Trump’s post, and expressed his own devastation for Kirk, his family, and America.

Later in the day on Wednesday, President Trump ordered that all flags in the U.S. be lowered to half-staff in memory of Kirk.