Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, reportedly offered words of respect for the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, commending his devotion to free expression and civil debate at a time when America is grappling with rising political polarization and violence.
“I see him as someone who was devoted to speech and debate,” Shapiro said during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, adding that communities around the country “need more of” Kirk’s approach.
Shapiro, often seen as a rising figure within the Democratic Party, acknowledged his disagreements with Kirk but emphasized the importance of disagreement itself in a democratic society. “Look, it should come as no surprise, I disagreed with a lot of what he espoused. And he probably disagreed with a lot of what I espouse. That’s OK. We’re allowed to disagree in this country,” Shapiro said.
For Shapiro, the lesson of Kirk’s life — and now his untimely death — rests in the value of constructive engagement. “In fact, disagreement, when done constructively, is what helps perfect our union. It’s what helps us make progress when it comes to policy differences, finding that common ground,” he said.
Shapiro’s remarks arrive less than two weeks after Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10 at an open-air event on a Utah college campus.
The killing, which stunned conservatives and liberals alike, has reignited the national debate over free speech, political discourse, and the disturbing rise of violence aimed at public figures.
At just 31 years old, Kirk had become one of the most visible and influential conservative activists of his generation.
Best known for founding Turning Point USA, he brought his arguments directly to college campuses, town halls, and community forums. He sought out confrontations with those who disagreed, often relishing spirited debate as part of the democratic process.
That willingness to engage, Shapiro said, was what stood out most. “I appreciate the fact that he showed up in town squares and college campuses and sought to debate others, whether I agree with it or not,” the governor remarked.
Importantly, Shapiro also pointed to the broader lesson for the nation in the aftermath of Kirk’s death. “The answer to debate and speech that you don’t like is not violence or taking someone’s life. It’s more speech. It’s more debate. It’s more engagement. And that’s what we need more of in our communities,” he said.
Kirk’s killing has galvanized conservatives and free speech advocates, many of whom warn that silencing political opponents through intimidation or worse undermines the very foundation of the republic.
In Arizona, tens of thousands are expected to attend Kirk’s memorial service, where President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and a host of prominent conservative leaders are slated to deliver remarks. The massive turnout underscores not only Kirk’s influence but also the urgency his supporters feel in preserving his legacy of open discourse.
Even from across the aisle, Shapiro’s words echoed that urgency. In a rare moment of bipartisan acknowledgment, the Democratic governor affirmed what Kirk’s admirers have long said: that robust debate, not repression, is the path forward for America.
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