Democratic governor praises Charlie Kirk as 'devoted to speech and debate'

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) praised the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk for his dedication to free speech and open debate, saying communities around the country “need more of” that approach.  

“I see him as someone who was devoted to speech and debate,” Shapiro said in an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” when asked how he sees Kirk’s legacy.

“And, look, it should come as no surprise, I disagreed with a lot of what he espoused. And he probably disagreed with a lot of what I espouse. That's OK. We're allowed to disagree in this country,” Shapiro said.

“In fact, disagreement, when done constructively, is what helps perfect our union. It's what helps us make progress when it comes to policy differences, finding that common ground.”

Shapiro said Americans across the political spectrum can learn from Kirk’s approach.

“I appreciate the fact that he showed up in town squares and college campuses and sought to debate others, whether I agree with it or not,” Shapiro said.

“The answer to debate and speech that you don't like is not violence or taking someone's life. It's more speech. It's more debate. It's more engagement. And that's what we need more of in our communities,” he added.

Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10 at an open-air event at a college campus in Utah. His death has sparked a renewed debate surrounding free speech and political violence in American politics.

Shapiro’s interview comes as tens of thousands flock to Arizona to attend Kirk’s memorial, where President Trump, Vice President Vance and numerous other high-profile conservative figures are slated to deliver remarks.