Springfield Standard

Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University.

Rep. Eric Burlison, who has represented Missouri’s 7th district in the U.S. Congress since 2023 after succeeding Billy Long, issued a statement following the incident:

“Charlie Kirk was instrumental in leading the conservative youth movement across our country. He led the charge across college campuses, defending individual liberties and teaching a generation of young people how to think for themselves. Charlie was the man in the arena, fighting back against the deranged indoctrination in education that has corrupted so many of our institutions. We are praying for Charlie, his wife, and his two children. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the evil that exists in our world. This kind of violence must never be tolerated.”

Burlison also addressed Kirk’s death on Wake Up Springfield and with the Daily Signal.

Before joining Congress, Burlison served in both chambers of Missouri's legislature from 2009 to 2023 and is originally from Springfield, Missouri. He holds degrees from Missouri State University and currently resides in Ozark.