WASHINGTON (The Hill) — On Thursday, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) distributed a letter urging House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to commission a statue in the U.S. Capitol for Charlie Kirk, a conservative figure who was tragically killed on Wednesday.

“Charlie Kirk is the cornerstone of my political journey. My presence in office is directly thanks to his support. Despite opposition from my own party, he stood by me, endorsing and campaigning for my victory,” Luna expressed on social media platform X.

“To preserve his legacy, we request that a statue of Charlie Kirk be placed in the United States Capitol. This is meant to be a lasting homage to his life’s contributions, his bravery, and ultimate sacrifice. It will serve as a symbol that violence is never the answer to political differences, and that the pursuit of truth is paramount,” stated the letter, which received backing from 15 other Republican representatives, directed to Johnson.

The letter was also endorsed by Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Michael Rulli (R-Ohio), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ), Barry Moore (Ala.), Pat Fallon (R-Texas), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), Randy Fine (R-Fla.), and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas).

Kirk was killed on Wednesday while speaking at a college event in Orem, Utah. 

Law enforcement has recovered a rifle they believe was used to kill Kirk, the co-founder of the conservative Turning Point USA. 

Authorities continue to search for the suspect, with the FBI offering a reward of up to $100,000 for any information leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest. The FBI’s Salt Lake City division released two images of the individual of interest.

In her letter, Luna emphasized that Kirk’s killing is a profound “wound” for the nation and serves as a grave “reminder of the rising political violence spurred by the Left’s divisive and hostile rhetoric.”

Luna praised Kirk’s work at Turning Point USA and also for being a “man of deep faith.” 

“He loved Jesus Christ with his whole heart, and it was that love that gave him the courage to stand strong in the face of hostility,” the Florida Republican wrote.