BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Republican leaders in Kern County are heartbroken over the loss of up-and-coming conservative Charlie Kirk, sending thoughts and prayers but also calling for an end to political violence.

"He was not afraid to give people a chance and that he just wants the chance to answer back but for someone to shoot to stop the message," said Cathy Abernathy with the Kern GOP. She met Kirk at the National Republican Convention in 2024.

"So pleasant, so willing to shake hands with anybody and I'm just a nobody, very gracious. He's just very positive, he's 32, so he had so much ahead of him," said Abernathy.

Representative Vince Fong shared his condolences on X.

"This is a dark day, as we mourn the loss of someone who achieved so much at such a young age. Charlie Kirk wa

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