A state lawmaker who says Charlie Kirk gave her her first shot in conservative politics is reflecting on his impact.
Republican Senator Julia Coleman (Waconia) says after college, Kirk trained her on how to reach young people when he was still running his organization out of his parents' garage.
Coleman says he was well-regarded even by those with opposing political views.
"Charlie would respect their right to disagree with him, and would welcome it," she says. "Because if there was one thing he stood for, and sadly and ironically enough would be willing to die for, it would be the right to have the beliefs, that you have to say them out loud."
Coleman says Kirk, who was shot and killed while speaking at a college in Utah Wednesday, respected and welcomed opposing viewpoints and thought everyone had the right to their beliefs.
As for a potential run for governor, Coleman tells WCCO's Adam and Jordana right now she's focused on making sure her kids are alright before she makes any future plans. She referenced the assassination of Melissa and Mark Hortman, and the Annunciation Church mass shooting just over two weeks ago.
"They started off their summer with a cop outside their house and being told to stay away from the windows," Coleman explained. "And they started off their school year with the cop outside their school being told to stay away from the windows."
Coleman says she supports and has authored legislation to keep guns away from people who shouldn't have them, but says right now everyone has to take personal responsibility in rising above this moment.
As for a potential run for governor, which Coleman has been potentially exploring, she says right now she's focused on family and won't be making any decisions at this time.