Republican legislators across the country are paying homage to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, after the late father of two was assassinated on Wednesday on Utah Valley University's campus. Among the group praising Kirk's positive impact on the country is U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn).
In a video message sent out Thursday afternoon, Tuberville spoke about his friendship with Kirk and called on radical liberals to "take a long, hard look in the mirror" when analyzing who caused the tragedy.
"We lost one of the greatest American voices of not only this generation, but in our lifetime," Tuberville said.
"Charlie and I have become good friends during the last few years through his show and serving together on the Air Force Service Academy board," he added. "He was a true American patriot who loved God, his family and our country. During my last interview on Charlie's show a few weeks ago, we talked about the importance of educating the next generation of leaders on our college campuses. There's no one who did this better than him. It's a shame that someone who devoted his life to traveling the country and creating open political dialogue was killed in a senseless act of political violence on a college campus."
Tuberville believes Kirk's death should concern every "freedom-loving American" in the country.
"It sickens me that we have reached a point in this country where you can be murdered for your political beliefs," he proclaimed. "The political violence in this country has gotten completely out of control. The deranged people who commit political violence are often inspired by politicians and media who label people they disagree with as Nazis, Hitler and threats to democracy."
Kirk, according to Tuberville, was killed because he was capable of delivering an eloquent and effective message.
"Because of this hate, a young wife will go home to an empty bed tonight, and two young children will grow up without a father. Charlie was not part of the problem. He was part of the answer. He was talented at reaching across the aisle and reaching out to students. That's why he was killed."
"It's time for those who are contributing to this hateful and dangerous rhetoric to take a long, hard look in the mirror," Tuberville continued. "We are grateful for Charlie's efforts to increase dialogue and participation in the political process. He may no longer be with us, but his legacy of patriotism will live on."
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