TALHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – The reaction has been poured in after the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The 31-year-old was shot dead at an event at the University of Utah, with thousands of students and families scattered after a shot rang out.
The letter warns Florida educators about the impact on “despicable comments” about the murder of Charlie Kirk
The incident brings dark emotion to students here in Florida after experiencing a massive shooting at Florida State University campus in Tallahassee just a few months ago.
Kirk traveled around the country to gather young students out and voted for them, and held discussions on university campuses. He was his last at FSU in February 2025.
The FSU student has been shaken up and says he has taken him to the fatal mass shooting that occurred on campus on April 17, 2025, and got too close to his home.
“It was a bit offensive to remind me of something that happened in such a graphic way yesterday,” said Madalyn Prop, president of FSU’s University Democratic branch.
Kirk’s death led to mixed reactions with the majority of individuals praying for their families, denounced the violent act.
Propst says she personally didn’t like Charlie Kirk’s platform, but he has the right to free speech and that’s why no one should be killed.
“We cannot continue to hold absolute animus for those we oppose,” Propst said. “We need to go back to what this country was established, and that’s a healthy debate.”
Democrats and Republicans on FSU campus came together in the wake of the tragedy, united against all forms of political violence and posted a statement together.
As we first experience the effects of gun violence, we know how these events tear our community apart. As a community, we are deeply saddened that we have been strong in confronting all forms of political violence and have felt the need for individuals to commit such meaningless acts of violence. ”
FSU freshman Graydon Gunning said there is a bigger problem in the US and that something needs to be done about it.
“A lot of people will say it’s about gun rights and gun restrictions, but honestly, it’s a matter of American hatred,” Gunning said. “It’s a matter of the heart and mind of the people here.”
Kirk was the one who enjoyed the discussion he brought to university campus, leading to Kirk being Christian himself.
“I don’t know who’ll pick up the mantle after that,” he said. “He’s done a really big thing and he inspired a lot of people. So I’m excited to see how people react to this and how they’ll continue his legacy.”
Both Gunning and Propst recognize the horrors that this could bring students from all over the country, but they don’t want this tragedy to scare people by hearing their voices on university campuses.
“The best thing we can do now in the face of tragedy is to get together,” Propst said.
We want to continue moving forward here on campus, regardless of their political differences.
