Arizona State Representative Condemns Celebration of Charlie Kirk's Assassination

Strategic Insights -

Arizona State Representative Rachel Keshel has spoken out against the reaction of certain public officials and employees who celebrated the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. In a statement, Keshel condemned the murder, calling for empathy and moral clarity in the face of hatred. She also called out radical leftists, including Tucson City Councilwoman Lane Santa Cruz and her staffer, Benny Gomez, for their reaction to Kirk's death.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Rachel Keshel has condemned the celebration of Charlie Kirk's assassination, calling it a "heinous political assassination" that has left his family grieving.
  • Keshel has criticized radical leftists, including Tucson City Councilwoman Lane Santa Cruz and her staffer Benny Gomez, for their reaction to Kirk's death, which she described as "shameful" and "dangerous".
  • Keshel has stated that hate speech that incites violence is not covered under the First Amendment and that inciting violence is not free speech.
  • Keshel has called on all Americans to denounce the rhetoric that radicalizes youth and tears apart society.
  • The Representative has expressed solidarity with the Kirk family, stating that "millions of us stand with you" in the face of hatred.
  • Keshel has taken to X to express her sentiments and has encouraged her followers to do the same.
  • The statement has highlighted the importance of moral clarity in addressing violent rhetoric and celebrating the life of Charlie Kirk.

Statistics:

  • Charlie Kirk was assassinated on a date not specified in the original statement.
  • Rep. Rachel Keshel represents Legislative District 17, which includes areas within Pima County and Pinal County, including East Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Picture Rocks, and Mount Lemmon.
  • According to the Arizona House of Representatives, Charlie Kirk was a founder of Turning Point USA.
  • Tucson City Councilwoman Lane Santa Cruz used Instagram to curse Charlie Kirk after his death.
  • Benny Gomez, a staffer for Santa Cruz, spewed false and hateful rhetoric, dismissing any empathy for Kirk.
  • Keshel has been a vocal advocate for conservative values and has used her platform to speak out against hateful rhetoric.

Sources:

  • The Arizona House Republicans statement, dated Sept. 12, 2025.
  • Rep. Rachel Keshel's statement, available on the Arizona House of Representatives website.
  • The original text available here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/1R/250912Keshel.pdf.