Ron DeSantis Explodes with Rage, Calls for Instant Death Penalty for Charlie Kirk’s Assassin
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University has ignited waves of grief, outrage, and soul-searching across the political spectrum. Among the most vocal responders is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who, in a recent interview, expressed not only sorrow but deep anger over the targeted killing and called for a “very quick death penalty” for the perpetrator.
DeSantis: Shock, Sadness, and Fury
Governor DeSantis, who has attended numerous Turning Point USA events and knew Kirk personally, described the loss as “immensely sad,” noting Kirk’s young family and the impact he had on political discourse.
“He dedicated his life to taking the ideas that we all believe in and bringing them to inhospitable environments, the college campus,” DeSantis said, highlighting Kirk’s courage in engaging with audiences that often challenged his views.
However, DeSantis’s sadness quickly turned to anger as he reflected on the implications of Kirk’s murder.
“I’m very angry that you had a guy that dedicated his life to the free exchange of ideas, and he was assassinated for political purposes,” he stated. The governor emphasized that such acts threaten the very foundation of republican government, which relies on the ability for citizens to safely disagree and debate.
A Call for Swift and Severe Punishment
DeSantis did not mince words about his expectations for justice:
“Obviously they have to catch this guy, and we need a quick death penalty prosecution. I don’t want to see this take forever and a day. We need justice for this.”
He stressed the urgency of the investigation, noting that the longer the gunman remains at large, the harder it will be to apprehend him. DeSantis urged federal authorities, including the FBI, to intensify their efforts and bring the suspect to justice swiftly.
Political Violence and Campus Hostility
The governor also addressed the broader issue of rising political violence, especially on college campuses.
“You would expect this in some rough neighborhoods in urban America, you don’t expect this in a college campus in Utah,” DeSantis remarked, lamenting the growing intolerance toward opposing viewpoints in academic settings.
He pointed to policies in Florida that hold students accountable for disrupting events or shouting down speakers, arguing that such measures are necessary to preserve the free exchange of ideas.
Honoring Kirk’s Legacy
DeSantis praised Kirk’s commitment to principle and his willingness to face hostility for the sake of dialogue.
“His commitment to these principles even when it’s not easy is something that we should all really give credit for,” he said, urging the nation to embrace more debate and less violence.
The Path Forward
As the investigation continues, DeSantis’s remarks reflect a broader call for accountability and a return to civility in American political life.
“To kill somebody because you don’t like what they are saying—no, we are done with that and there will be consequences for this,” he declared.
The governor also drew parallels to previous acts of political violence, recalling the shooting at a congressional baseball game, and warned that such hatred and extremism must be confronted and eradicated.
Charlie Kirk’s assassination stands as a somber reminder of the dangers facing those who champion free speech and open debate. As authorities pursue the gunman, leaders like Ron DeSantis are demanding swift justice and a recommitment to the values that underpin American democracy.