SALT LAKE CITY — The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a statement condemning "horrific acts of violence," including the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The church's statement Friday afternoon affirmed its "repeated calls to seek peace and unity despite our differences." It reminded members and others that "Jesus Christ teaches us to love one another, that hate is wrong and that human life is sacred." The church urged everyone to "reject violence and instead build understanding."

The statement comes after Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday while speaking at an event on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. The killing has drawn widespread condemnation and has been called a "political assassination" by Utah

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