We have been monitoring the news regarding today’s (Sept. 10) shooting in Utah, where Conservative Political Activist Charlie Kirk was injured while speaking at Utah Valley University. (ed. Note: Shooting victim later died.)

We assert firmly that the Oklahoma Democratic Party condemns political violence of any kind and believe strongly that the democratic process calls for freedom of speech.

“Political violence and assaults on free speech threaten all in a free society. The Oklahoma Democratic Party condemns this shooting, as well as the other acts of gun violence occurring in America today. Enough is enough,” said Rep. John Waldron, Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party.

While disagreeing wholeheartedly with Charlie Kirk’s ideology, we recognize that his right to freedom of speech should be unimpeded by violence against his person and attendees at his events.

While the world has been processing headlines from Utah, we also learned of a shooting in Denver, where two children were shot while learning.

Today is a sad day in America, and we continue to condemn violence of any kind, that includes both political and apolitical gun violence.

This is an epidemic in America and requires action. We believe that government should step in to stop shootings before they occur, by protecting our students across the country with common sense gun legislation.

We aren’t just calling for prayers, we are calling for action.

Oklahoma Democratic Party