Nancy Pelosi calls for unity, end to gun violence following assassination of Charlie Kirk

Speaking in Maryland Friday, former House Speaker and current U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi called for unity and an end to gun violence following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. 

Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10. On Friday, law enforcement officials said they arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah, charging him with Kirk's death. 

"I think most of our colleagues put out similar statements of— while we may not agree politically, philosophically or in any other way, that doesn't matter," Pelosi said. "What does matter is that our prayers and thoughts are with the family, and may he rest in peace." 

Pelosi on Kirk's Assassination 

Pelosi, who was awarded the title Speaker Emerita for her time as House Speaker, made the passionate remarks during a visit to the Fire Museum of Maryland Friday morning. 

"I do think, starting from the top, there has to be a more unifying message coming from our government," she added. 

Pelosi went on to call for an end to gun violence in the U.S., saying she's a big believer in prayer, but also acting upon her beliefs. 

"We have got to put an end to gun violence in our country," she said, slamming her hand on a podium for emphasis. "We just have to finish the job. We just haven't done that yet. We've talked about it. We've worked for it." 

She also talked about the importance of protecting elected officials, saying it will be a, "big ticket item for us to have the kind of security that is necessary for so many members." 

"I mean, it's important to protect our elected officials, but we have to protect the American people first and foremost," she added. "That's our responsibility, and one way we can do that is to have effective gun violence prevention, background checks, to name a few suggestions that have been there." 

Who was Charlie Kirk? 

While Kirk was not an elected official, he was considered an influential personality for young conservatives, an ally of President Trump and a close friend of Donald Trump Jr.  

In March, the president appointed him to the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. 

"No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," Mr. Trump said after learning of Kirk's death. "He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us."

Kirk helped inspire young voters during both of Mr. Trump's presidential campaigns and aimed to get more young people engaged in politics. 

The father of two was 31 when he died.