As Chair of the Libertarian Party of Florida, I must speak plainly about the events of today. The shooting of Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder that our culture is drifting further from the principles of liberty, civil discourse, and human respect.

Libertarians stand firmly against political violence of any kind. When speech is met with bullets instead of debate, when disagreement is answered with bloodshed rather than persuasion, freedom itself is under assault. No matter what one thinks of Charlie Kirk’s views, he had the absolute right to speak them without fear of retribution.

Our movement is built on the principle that every individual has the right to life, liberty, and property. That principle collapses when political violence is tolerated or excused. The proper way to resolve differences is through persuasion, voluntary cooperation, and peaceful exchange... not through threats, force, or assassination attempts.

As Floridians and as Americans, we must reject the poisonous idea that silencing opponents by violence is somehow justified. Liberty requires tolerance of speech we may despise, because the alternative is tyranny.

The Libertarian Party of Florida will continue to speak out against government coercion, mob intimidation, and political violence wherever it arises. Freedom of speech and open debate are the bedrock of a free society. We dishonor those principles if we remain silent now.

— Matt Johnson
Chair, Libertarian Party of Florida