The leaders of the Kendall County Democrats and the Kendall County Republicans are denouncing the increasing amount political violence across the country, including the Sept. 10 fatal shooting of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

In a joint statement, Kendall County Democrats Chair Beth Kremer and State Rep. Jed Davis, chair of the Kendall County Republicans, said such violence “has no place in our lives.”

Along with Kirk’s fatal shooting, they also referenced the targeted murders in June of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, and “countless other young and adult victims of violence.”

“This is a time when we need to find ways to connect, share, and build on common ground to create and strengthen the communities that we want to live in and our children and grandchildren deserve,” Kremer said. “Violence is never the way to resolve our differences.”

Davis agreed.

“When political debate turns into bloodshed, we all lose,” he said. “No matter where it happens, these heartbreaking acts remind us every person’s worth runs far deeper than party or platform. We can hold strong convictions and still choose compassion, love, and respect for one another. Walking this road together keeps our neighborhoods strong and helps our democracy endure.”

They are calling on Kendall County residents to reject hatred, protect free speech and foster a culture where differences are heard with understanding rather than hostility.

“Ultimately, we are neighbors first — people who share the same streets, schools, and aspirations for strong and peaceful communities," the release said.

Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah, has been charged with fatally shooting Kirk. Vance Boelter, 58, of Green Isle, Minnesota, has been charged with stalking and murdering Hortman and her husband, in addition to stalking and shooting Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.

Hoffman and his wife survived the attack.