Ohio politicians respond to political climate in the wake of Charlie Kirk shooting

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk continues to send shock waves throughout the country.

Memorials around Central Ohio continue, as the political activist’s funeral is now planned for September 21.

On Sunday, thousands gathered at Coffman Park in Dublin to honor the conservative influencer. Attendees expressed a desire for unity in America, saying it is what the country needs.

A candle lighting ceremony in memory of Kirk was held to honor his legacy.

The event featured several prominent speakers, including Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Senator Jon Husted, and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

On Tuesday, suspect Tyler Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, a first-degree felony; felony discharge of a firearm, a first-degree felony; two counts of capital obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony; two counts of tampering with a witness, a third-degree felony; and violent offense committed in the presence of a child, a class A misdemeanor.

Ramaswamy told ABC 6 violence should never be a response to disagreements.

“That’s the whole ball game,” Ramaswamy said. “That’s what the whole country is founded on. The idea of a liberal democracy, that’s what it depends on, is that we’re able to disagree vehemently but use our words to do it, to bait, and then to come together and make a decision at the ballot box without violence.

Ramaswamy says Kirk’s murder is a push for him to campaign vigorously but debate respectfully — as he moves through his campaign.

“I am more than committed,” he said. “I’ve borne deep commitment to instill that culture of peaceful, respectful, open dialogue and debate in the way that I lead this state. I want Ohio to set an example for what that looks like.”

Governor Mike DeWine echoed Ramaswamy’s take on denouncing political violence. “He was exercising his basic constitutional rights and encouraging other people to do the same thing, going on college campuses,” DeWine said. “College campuses are supposed to be a place where you can debate and people can have different ideas.”

Ramaswamy said Ohio has an opportunity to set an example with its diverse population of backgrounds and belief: living and working peacefully.

“We have an opportunity and an obligation to show what real American leadership looks like for us,” he added. “To power America’s comeback economically and also America’s comeback culturally. And part of that cultural comeback is going to involve not retreating from free speech.

Amy Acton. a Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, says Kirk’s death is an “assault on democracy with no cause ever justifying violence.”