A day after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during an appearance at Utah Valley University, Sen. Mike Lee has introduced a Senate resolution condemning the attack.
The Utah Republican wrote on social media that he introduced the resolution to commemorate Kirk’s “outstanding patriotism and achievements.”
“I look forward,” Lee added, “to the Senate uniting to honor Charlie, his family, and his courageous legacy.”
The resolution was officially released Thursday morning.
Kirk, it reads, was “horrifically assassinated,” and describes Kirk as a “devoted husband, father, and Christian,” as well as the founder of the conservative campus advocacy group Turning Point USA.
“[T]he Senate,” Lee’s resolution says, “(1) condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk in the strongest possible terms; (2) extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to Charlie Kirk’s family, including his wife, Erika, and their two young children; and (3) honors Charlie Kirk’s commitment to the constitutional principles of civil discussion and debate between all people of the United States, regardless of political affiliation.”
A spokesperson for Republican Sen. John Curtis said Utah’s junior senator was co-sponsoring Lee’s resolution.
“His murder so close to home brings pain and grief to all Utahns,” Curtis said in a statement to The Salt Lake Tribune. “I cannot begin to imagine the pain and sorrow his family and loved ones are facing.... May we honor his life by choosing respect over contempt and light over darkness.”
After Kirk was killed in Utah, Lee said in a statement that “Charlie Kirk was an American patriot, an inspiration to countless young people to stand up and defend the timeless truths that make our country great. This murder was a cowardly act of violence, an attack on champions of freedom like Charlie, the students who gathered for civil debate, and all Americans who peacefully strive to save our nation.”
Lee added, “The terrorists will not win. Charlie will. Please join me in praying for his wife Erika and their children. May justice be swift.”
Lee was among the many elected officials in Utah and around the country who called for prayers for Kirk and his family Wednesday before the official announcement of Kirk’s death. In a video posted on social media, Lee described Kirk as “a dear friend” and said the two of them spoke on a “regular basis.”
“I’m devastated,” the senator said, “and I will miss him.”
Vice President JD Vance traveled to Utah on Thursday to pay his condolences to Kirk’s family.