Maine political leaders are speaking out after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at a college campus event in Utah on Wednesday.
Governor Janet Mills issued a statement, saying differing views should never be met with violence and that she was horrified by what happened.
In America, differing views — regardless of who holds them and how much you may detest them — should never be met with violence. I am horrified by what has happened to Charlie Kirk.
— Governor Janet Mills (@GovJanetMills) September 10, 2025
Sen. Susan Collins said there’s no justification for the political violence we’re seeing in this country:
“There is just no justification for the political violence that we’re seeing in this country. I am very upset at the shooting of Charlie Kirk. He’s a father with young children; he travels to college campuses to interact with young people. He’s a wonderful person, and this is just appalling. When you think about this, on top of the horrific murder of the young woman from Ukraine and that followed the shooting of young Catholic children at mass, it makes you wonder what is going on in our country that this kind of violence is so prevalent.”
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said she was horrified by the attack:
“Political violence has no place in our country. Not now, not ever.
I’m horrified by this vicious attack, and truly hope Charlie makes a full and speedy recovery.
Our college campuses should be places where open dialogue, debate, and mutual respect are upheld. This kind of intimidation and violence must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
Maine Congressman Jared Golden also commented on the shooting in a post on X:
If someone can be shot for views you detest, then they can be shot for views you hold dear. That’s why a free nation cannot tolerate political violence.
My prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family, and I am grateful for the speed and heroism of first responders.
— Congressman Jared Golden (@RepGolden) September 10, 2025
Maine GOP Chairman Jim Deyermond said their heartfelt condolences go out to Charlie’s friends, family, and all who knew and loved him:
“I want to be clear, the political rhetoric in our nation has gone too far and is leading to greater political violence. It is incumbent upon all of us to think before we speak and to demand better for the generations that follow us. God Bless Charlie and God Bless America.”
Charlie Kirk was hospitalized in critical condition after the shooting, with President Donald Trump confirming his death Wednesday afternoon in a post on Truth Social.