California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is facing criticism for his response to rightwing activist Charlie Kirks shooting death, which included a social media post yesterday calling on people to continue his work.Kirk, the conservative founder and president of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck and killed during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University. Two suspects were detained and released. Related No, I wont be shedding any tears for Charlie Kirk Most Democrats responded to Kirks death by condemning political violence in more general terms, as well as gun violence and murder. They generally did not comment on Kirks lifes work, which included supporting unobstructed gun rights, taking away rights from historically oppressed minorities, and using extreme language that made every political dispute seem like an existential battle.There is no two ways about this: political violence has no place in America, said out lesbian Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) about Kirks death in a statement typical of elected Democrats. I am keeping Charlie and his family in my thoughts in this truly horrifying moment. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Newsom, though, did not follow the script and had a more heartfelt message to share about Kirk on Bluesky. I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate, Newsom wrote. His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence.The best way to honor Charlies memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse. In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate never through violence. We should all feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the terrible violence that took place in Utah today. Charlie Kirks murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones. Governor Gavin Newsom (@governor.ca.gov) 2025-09-10T22:05:43.190ZI knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate. His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence. Governor Gavin Newsom (@governor.ca.gov) 2025-09-10T22:05:43.191ZThe best way to honor Charlie's memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse. In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate never through violence. Governor Gavin Newsom (@governor.ca.gov) 2025-09-10T22:05:43.192Z Newsom famously interviewed Kirk in the first episode of his podcast earlier this year, where both non-LGBTQ+ men agreed that its deeply unfair for transgender girls to participate in school sports with others of their gender. He also said that the presidents 2024 campaign ad that accused Kamala Harris of supporting taxpayer-funded sex-changes for prisoners and illegal aliens was a great ad.Newsom faced criticism from LGBTQ+ people for this interview with Kirk, and he faced renewed criticism for his message that people on the left should continue [Kirks] work.Charlie Kirks Turning Point USA created the Professor Watchlist a list used to harass, intimidate, threaten, dox and mock professors who do race or gender work, wrote Kent State University LGBTQ studies Professor Lauren Merry Vale. Im on the watchlist.Serious question: Is THIS the work you think we should continue? Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA created the "Professor Watchlist" a list used to harass, intimidate, threaten, dox and mock professors who do race or gender work.I'm on the watchlist. Serious question: Is THIS the "work" you think we should continue? Lauren Merry Vale (they/she) (@pixielauren.bsky.social) 2025-09-10T23:30:21.091ZYour silence on the mass shooting today at a Colorado high school while you post multiple cries for Kirk is both telling and sickening, wrote another Bluesky user, referring to a shooting at a Denver-area high school yesterday that left two students with gunshot wounds. The shooter killed himself.Your silence on the mass shooting today at a Colorado high school while you post multiple cries for Kirk is both telling and sickening. El Mero Mero (@el-mer0-mer0.bsky.social) 2025-09-10T23:26:12.586Z Whatever knowledge of Mr Kirk you have cannot possibly outweigh his heinous statements, wrote another user. It cannot outweigh the threats by his organization toward people with opposite views. Suggesting we support his vile work is beyond the pale. You just lost our trust.Condemning violence is right. But whatever knowledge of Mr Kirk you have cannot possibly outweigh his heinous statements. It cannot outweigh the threats by his organization toward people with opposite views. Suggesting we support his vile work is beyond the pale. You just lost our trust. Dr. G (@bluebutterflygirl.bsky.social) 2025-09-11T01:06:11.452ZKirk had a long history of extreme rhetoric, much of it in favor of gun violence. He said in 2023 that gun deaths are worth it and they are the cost of having the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. He warned his supporters not to let the victims of mass shootings emotionally hijack the narrative.You must use reason when you look at these things, Kirk added. A free society comes with a cost, and that cost is worth it. Liberty is worth it.In 2022, Kirk said that empathy itself was bad, calling it a made-up, new age term that does a lot of damage on his podcast.I cant stand the word empathy.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.