TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – Political activist Charlie Kirk was shot last week while discussing students on the University of Utah campus. The event became tragic as shooter Tyler James Robinson allegedly shot Kirk dead from a nearby rooftop.
Kirk, for the days after his death, there was sympathy, repulsion and pointing. Still, leaders of the Florida Legislature at Capitol Hill are finding ways to celebrate Kirk’s contribution to life and freedom of speech.
“He’s now, in my opinion, more powerfully influenced the movement than ever,” said Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL).
Rep. Patronis worked with U.S. Senator Rick Scott on October 14, 2025, introducing Kirks’ Day of Memories on his birthday.
However, the rise in political violence and polarization has state leaders involved in the future.
“As a nation, we need to do better, listen to each other, understand each other, and try to promote healing rather than division or hatred,” said Rep. Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa).
In Pensacola, Kirk’s memorial paintings sparked rage, with graphic words and images.
“Within 24 hours, hate speech came out and there was a demonic figure, and it was depicted on top of it. So, I think some of it is something we have in freedom of speech, but it’s definitely insensitive to someone whose life has just been taken away. His family doesn’t have a husband or father anymore,” Patronis said.
Even in the heat that some of these monuments face, Florida New College in Sarasota is currently on track to bring the statue to campus to honor Kirk. The school brought the announcement to X. X has seen mixed reviews.
But Democrats, for example, need to lower the temperature and it’s for everyone to think about how they behave themselves.
“This is all coming right after the shooting. I think we’re losing the thread last week in the sense that there’s something that has rocked our country in terms of political violence. To condemn something like this, we need everyone regardless of political stripes. That’s what leader Driskel said.
