Florida Parish News

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) appeared on Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier to address the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Scalise spoke about Kirk’s influence and legacy, emphasizing his approach to political discourse.

“Sad day, a lot of anger, frankly. My prayers are with the family of Charlie. I mean, he's got a wife, young kids, obviously, his parents, close friends. Charlie was such an inspirational person. I mean, you saw that brought thousands of people out on the college campus there at Utah Valley [University], would do that all around the country. And somebody who really talked about a civil discourse. Let's go debate. You might think differently than me, and there's nothing wrong with that. Let's talk it out. And you just go prove your point. I'm going to talk about what I believe in. And that's what America is about. And I think, Bret, that's the biggest concern is that there are some people that think that political violence is a way to shut other people down. That is not what America is, and it can't ever become that,” Scalise said.

Scalise described the killing as a targeted act: “It's clear that it was, as the governor depicted, a political assassination. When you have somebody at a distance on a rooftop, whether it was 200 yards away, but clearly a high-powered rifle in one shot, meaning they were intending to take out Charlie. It's alarming. Again, it angers you, it disgusts you, but there's no doubt that was the intention. We will find out more. I'm glad the FBI is working so closely with law enforcement, and they're moving swiftly to get answers and ultimately to bring those responsible to justice."

He called for unity against violence: “Well, the message should be, number one, let's look in the mirror for sure. Everybody ought to know what makes our country great is that we do have political differences and we can express them. But how do you express them, Bret? You express them vocally. You can vote by the way; part of the most powerful way you can express differences is by voting. But violence is not the answer… Everybody ought to denounce that… regardless of what you think of his politics… For anybody who's thinking of doing something like that… it's not [what] this country is really about.”

Reflecting on Kirk’s work founding Turning Point USA and mobilizing students across campuses nationwide: “He's a one of one… Charlie was an inspirational person... He actually started a movement... How many young people do that? Not many... It takes a very special person... which Charlie did... bring people into that movement... first by tens then hundreds then thousands in campuses all across this country… His legacy will never be forgotten…”

Steve Scalise has served in Congress representing Louisiana’s 1st district since 2008 after replacing Bobby Jindal [link]. Before joining Congress he served in both chambers of Louisiana's legislature from 1996 until 2008 [link]. Born in New Orleans in 1965 and currently residing in Jefferson [link], Scalise holds a BS from Louisiana State University.