Chiefs’ Harrison Butker, Area Politicians React to Kirk Assassination
Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk defended Harrison Butker when the Chiefs kicker was criticized for promoting traditional values in a commencement speech at Benedictine College. Butker commended Kirk after he was murdered during a speech in Utah on Wednesday.
“Thank you for your strong witness for Christ @charliekirk11,” Butker posted on X. “Thank you for pursuing truth and leading your family as a husband and father.”
He also shared texts between him and Kirk, including a prayer. Butker ended his post on X with a Catholic prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
— Harrison Butker (@buttkicker7) September 10, 2025
Area political leaders also shared condolences and condemned the assassination.
“Claudia and I are deeply saddened to hear of Charlie Kirk’s passing,” Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said. “Political violence tears at our nation’s very foundation. America was built on passionate yet peaceful debate and freedom of expression. Charlie was an unwavering voice for conservatives across the country who raised the bar for civic engagement and political dialogue, inspiring countless young people to make their voices heard.”
Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., and his wife, Leslie, echoed Kehoe’s comments.
“While we didn’t know Charlie personally, it’s clear he was a God-fearing man who passionately loved our country,” he said “Charlie and I have both tried to listen to those who disagree with us and respond with reason and facts.”
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., condemned the violence.
“I unequivocally condemn the despicable and cowardly attack on Charlie Kirk,” he said. “Political violence has absolutely no place in the United States, and the perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Let us all pray for Mr. Kirk and his loved ones in this moment.”
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., also called for prayers for Kirk’s wife and two small children.
“Charlie was a patriot in the fullest sense of the word,” he said. “A loving husband and father. An incredible friend to me and so many others. He was a great American. A legend. What else is there to say? Words fail. Pray for Charlie. Pray for his family. Pray for our country.”
–Alan Goforth
