The collective mayors of Utah Valley released a joint statement on Wednesday calling for unity in the aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination in the heart of the valley.
“In recent days, our valley has been shaken by the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, a man many regarded as a voice of conviction and a deeply measured champion for free expression. We, the mayors of Utah Valley, on behalf of our citizens, write not just with grief, but with resolve,” their joint letter said.
It continued by cautioning the citizens who call “Happy Valley” home not to focus on partisanship, but rather on the causes that connect the community — love for Utah, hope for future generations and freedom. They asked that ideas be met with debate, not violence.
“What will matter most in the days ahead is not just what we say, but what we choose to stand for,” the letter said. “Calls for unity can ring hollow when past words have fallen short.”
On Sept. 10, Kirk was hosting the first stop of his “The American Comeback Tour" when he was gunned down and killed minutes into the event at Utah Valley University. The event, sponsored by UVU’s student chapter, attracted approximately 3,000 students and community members on that sunny Wednesday afternoon.
“To Charlie Kirk’s family, friends, and all who mourn with us: may we honor his memory not only in sorrow but in action — action that proves Utah Valley will not shrink from its values,” the letter said. “We will listen. We will show respect. We will protect the rights that allow us to argue, to challenge, and to grow.”
The mayors also shared the following values that they hope the community will consider as it continues to heal from the tragedy:
- Freedom of expression: In a democracy, differing views are not only inevitable, they’re essential. When someone dares to speak, we owe it to them — and to each other — to listen.
- Civility and compassion: Arguing without dignity fuels division. Words carry power. They can heal or harm. Choosing compassion, even in disagreement, changes outcomes.
- Community bonds: Utah Valley is built on neighborhoods, friendships and shared spaces. Our strength comes from people showing up for each other, through service, friendship and simple acts of kindness. We thrive when these bonds are nurtured, not strained.
- Accountability: No one is exempt from ensuring hate and violence are never accepted as normal or used to silence others.
The mayors included David Young, Orem; Michelle Kaufusi, Provo; Mike Mendenhall, Spanish Fork; Bill Wright, Payson; Matt Packard, Springville; Guy Fugal, Pleasant Grove; Carolyn Lundberg, Lindon; Brad Frost, American Fork; Brent Winder, Woodland Hills; Carla Merrill, Alpine; Dallas Hakes, Mapleton; Denise Anderson, Cedar Hills; Dan Olson, Santaquin; Jim Miller, Saratoga Springs; Julie Fullmer, Vineyard; Kurt Ostler, Highland; Natalie Hall, Bluffdale; Neil Brown, Genola; Robert Haddock, Elk Ridge; Steven Staheli, Goshen; Tom Westmoreland, Eagle Mountain; and Wyatt Cook, Cedar Fort.