Sacramento, California - Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today on the murder of conservative thought leader and activist Charlie Kirk:

"We should all feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the terrible violence that took place in Utah today. Charlie Kirk's murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones.

"I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate. His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence.

"The best way to honor Charlie's memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse. In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate - never through violence. Honest disagreement makes us stronger; violence only drives us further apart and corrodes the values at the heart of this nation."