CHARLESTON W.Va. (WOAY) – Governor Patrick Morrisey addressed the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk at a press conference on Monday morning. The governor called the assassination “awful on every level,” and described Kirk as his friend and “a martyr.”
“Charlie was a friend of mine. Charlie was assassinated for his political beliefs, and he stood up for free speech. And that’s wrong and horrific on every single level,” Morrisey said.
The governor said what happened to Kirk was an attack on freedom of speech.
“I think it is an attack on free speech and was awful at every level. Charlie was a friend of mine. Charlie was assassinated for his political beliefs, and that’s wrong and horrific on every single level,” Morrisey said. “I mean, Charlie Kirk was a martyr, and we all must reflect on what’s going on so that we’re not cowed in terms of our willingness to do things the right way.”
Morrisey pointed to Kirk’s willingness to engage in civil debate as an example to follow. “Have a good old-fashioned political debate, be civil about it, and do the right thing. That’s what we’re asking for. That’s the Charlie Kirk way, and that needs to be our way,” he said.
While he praised Kirk’s commitment to civil debate, Morrisey said the reaction from some corners of the country has been anything but civil.
“It’s deplorable seeing some of these people attack Charlie and go after him right now,” Morrisey said. “Charlie Kirk was trying to show us a good way. He would go to college campuses and engage in civil debate. He’d show respect to people, and I think that’s the pathway forward.”
When asked if the assassination might silence people from engaging in similar future political debates, Morrisey said the way to honor Kirk’s life is by engaging with others, not by retreat.
“The best thing to do is to treat people with great respect and then work and fight for your opinion. There’s no doubt use your free speech, engage and bring other people in who you agree with, who disagree with it,” Morrisey said.
Morrisey said West Virginia lowered its flags to half-staff in Kirk’s honor, and that a vigil is scheduled for Thursday night in Charleston.
