JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot Wednesday at a Utah university.

Kirk, who was 31 years old, was the co-founder of conservative youth organization Turning Point USA.

In the hours after the shooting, elected leaders from Tennessee and Virginia responded to the fatal shooting on social media:

Gov. Bill Lee (TN)

“.@MariaLeeTN and I offer our heartfelt prayers for Charlie Kirk, and ask that the Lord be near his family right now.”

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (VA)

“Suzanne and I are deeply shocked and heartbroken by the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk today. Our prayers are with his wonderful wife and young family. Only the Lord can heal their pain. With the promise of the Lord, we believe that God welcomed Charlie Kirk into Heaven, saying ‘well done my good and faithful servant.’ We share this sorrow together. May the Lord’s peace comfort Charlie’s family.”

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (TN)

“Charlie Kirk had a profound impact on countless lives across America, and the movement he began significantly improved our country. I am heartbroken by his passing, and it is truly an indescribable loss for our nation. We grieve alongside his family and hope for justice to prevail.”

Sen. Bill Hagerty (TN)

“Charlie Kirk was a visionary who understood that engaging in open debate was essential for showing the next generation the superiority of conservative beliefs over nihilistic Leftist values.”

“It is unthinkable that his wife and children must now face life without him because a disturbed individual took his life. I cannot sufficiently express the sorrow I feel for his family.”

“Charlie will live on in the hearts and memories of the many, many millions of Americans and people of this world.

“Let us all pray for Charlie, his family, his loved ones, and know that he has been greeted by our Father in Heaven.”

Sen. Mark Warner (VA)

“Political violence is unacceptable in a fair society. This terrible act at Utah Valley University is profoundly tragic and should be condemned by all – my thoughts are with the Kirk family.”

Sen. Tim Kaine (VA)

“I’m praying for Charlie Kirk’s family, the Utah Valley University community, and our country.”

Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN)

“Charlie Kirk was a husband, father, and advocate for a whole generation of future leaders. He dedicated his life to fostering dialogue, engaging in civil discussions, and upholding the principles of our republic. Please join me in praying for his family, friends, and the Turning Point community.”

Rep. Morgan Griffith (VA)

“Charlie Kirk loved his country. His courageous work promoting conservative values drew large audiences around the country.

“This murder is horrific news. Political violence must be denounced, condemned and extinguished from our society. I join the country in mourning his death.”

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (TN)

“Charlie Kirk devoted his life to free speech and civil discourse. Today he was murdered for that commitment. One of the most important conservative leaders of the new generation is now a martyr. An unspeakably sad day for a young family, a movement and our nation.”

House Speaker Cameron Sexton (TN)

“Our prayers and sympathy are with Charlie Kirk’s family during this difficult time. His memory will live long and his continued influence will never end. May God Bless him, his family and all those that knew him, heard him, and met him.”